Letting Go: Daniel 6:14-18
It is amazing how easily people who entrust their life to God can let go of all control over their life. I don’t say this lightly. I like control. I like to plan. I like to work hard and see the fruit of my efforts. I don’t think any of that is bad. God wants me to work hard. But in the end, I shouldn’t confuse my hard work with who is really in control.
Darius’ reaction to the satraps’ plot speaks volumes about Daniel’s character. When Darius realizes the satraps plot, he actively labors to rescue Daniel. He spends an entire day figuring out how to undue the effect of his edict. He cared deeply for Daniel; He valued Daniel’s counsel.
The mini lesson in Darius’ struggle is to be careful when people flatter you. Darius agreed to the edict when the satraps initially came to him because he was swayed by their flattery. Darius’ ego wanted to agree with the satraps’ logic. They stroked Darius’ ego so efficiently he agreed to their request without thinking. That’s the trouble with flattery. We like flattery so much we put our brain on autopilot. Life is seldom lived very well when our brain is on autopilot.
Naturally, the satraps remind Darius of the unbreakable nature of the edict. Darius didn’t appreciate the reminder of how they played him. This point will be significant in a couple of days as we draw close to the close of the chapter. For now, be mindful of the satrap’s arrogance. Even when we are right, we should be careful our victory doesn’t become bitter on the lips of the loser.
Darius’ response to his edict shows incredible deference. Darius throws Daniel into the lion’s den. He must. He gave his word. If Darius broke his word because he didn’t want the circumstance to happen, what good is his word ever? If Darius can only be trusted to keep his word when the circumstances are in his favor, how could anyone ever consider him to be just?
Instead, Darius gives us a beautiful moment of faith. Darius, who clearly does not ascribe to God as his deity, invokes God’s name in a blessing over Daniel. Darius wishes for Daniel to receive the protection of God. Darius might not ascribe to faith in God, but Darius absolutely believes that God is the only one who can save Daniel.
This is the place of greatest challenge in this story. Yesterday, Daniel freely placed himself in God’s hands and thought nothing of it. Today, Darius puts Daniel’s life directly into God’s hands, too. Both Daniel and Darius are willing to trust the divinely supernatural to perform a miracle. When Daniel’s life is on the line, both Darius and Daniel let go of control. Rather than try and hold onto control even more tightly, they let go completely. It is amazing how easily people who entrust their life to God can let go of all control over their life.
