Media voices are telling me that the next week or so is going to see the most momentous events in recent Scottish political history. That may just be journalese but there is little doubt that the integrity of individuals and the institutions they serve will be brought into the spotlight. However, I do not expect to hear or see anything that is new in the history of the nations.
The book of Daniel tells of events that took place sometime in the 6th century BC. It is the time when a large section of the population of Judah is exiled in Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar selects a talented group of young Hebrews to serve in the Babylonian civil service and they make a significant contribution to the governance of the country. The day comes, however, when the king sets up a huge image of gold which he calls upon all the population to worship. This was quite possibly a way to consolidate the unity of the country but it has the opposite effect. The young Hebrew men have continued their worship of the God of Israel and according to His laws they cannot bow down to any image.
This is reported to the King by a group if his advisors and as a result Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are sentenced to death, incineration in a furnace of fire. It is one of the most powerful moments in Scripture. When confronted with their ‘crime’ and the consequences they say:
‘If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’ (Daniel 3: 17-18)
When political power overreaches itself, pushing its way into areas where God alone reigns, there can be only one response from the believer even in face of death.
In course of time Babylon was overcome by the emerging Persian Empire. Under King Darius the Hebrew Daniel retained his position as one of the foremost civil servants in the land. This was a source of concern to others in the circle of royal advisors and a conspiracy was enacted to undermine Daniel in some way. There was not the least of whiff of impropriety in Daniel’s life or work so it was decided to make an issue of his faith. The conspirators persuaded the King to enact a law forbidding the worship of any god other than the King throughout a period of thirty days. To disobey this law meant death in a den of lions. Daniel was exposed. He continued to pray to his God openly and was reported to the King. Reluctantly the King gave the order for Daniel to be thrown into the den of lions. The Kings final words were: ‘May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!’ (Daniel 6: 16). Miraculously Daniel was preserved.
What is remarkable is that both Nebuchadnezzar and Darius, when faced with the strength of the Hebrew’s faith and the power of their God, came to understand that their God was above all other gods and that His people’s right to worship must be recognised.
It all happened close to three thousand years ago and yet we still play out the themes. Conspiracy, corruption, cult status given to politicians, power becoming a means of self-promotion rather than service. In the end, however, both kings became aware of a supreme Being, a higher Power. They had to reckon, however imperfectly, with an authority above themselves. With some exceptions that perspective does not seem to be common in our political culture but as all our lives will be seen in the light of Eternity so too will the exercise of political power. Every decision taken, every policy pursued will be measured against the love, truth and justice that flows from God.
The way forward for us all is perhaps shown in the words of an old Christian song:
‘Dare to be a Daniel
Dare to stand alone
Dare to have a purpose firm
Dare to make it known.’
