TODAY IN THE WORD
After floods had devastated the country of Mozambique last year, a missions photographer working there noticed the absence of older people. When she asked why, she was told that the older men and women were not strong enough to hold on to the trees when the water came, and many were swept away.

This tragedy reminds us that old age is not generally considered a time of great strength. There are exceptions, to be sure, and they are encouraging to see. We have an incredible example today in the prophet Daniel, who was an elderly man when he was promoted by King Darius and then set up by his jealous enemies. Daniel proves that age is irrelevant when it comes to living by faith.

Daniel had already been serving the kingdom of Babylon for many years when it was conquered by the Medo-Persian army. Daniel had been taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon in 605 b.c., when he was about sixteen. He was thrown into the lions’ den about 539 b.c., being over eighty years old.

This makes Daniel’s continued outstanding service for the Persian kingdom even more amazing. His excellence was so undeniable that Darius was planning to make Daniel number two in the kingdom when his officials decided to take action.

They quickly realized that Daniel’s record was untouchable, but they knew enough about him to understand that he wouldn’t compromise his faith in God for anyone (vv. 4-5). So they appealed to King Darius’s vanity and convinced him to declare himself as “God for a month.” They also persuaded him to punish anyone who dared to worship any other god but him during this time.

Being a monarch with an ego, Darius liked the idea. So the decree was issued, and the officials who hated Daniel went straight to his house to gather their evidence. Daniel didn’t disappoint them, opening his window to pray toward Jerusalem.

---

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Whatever your age, you have an important place in the body of Christ and a unique contribution to make.

< Previous Day

Next Day >