THE HANDLING OF A CRISIS Because of the spiritual degeneration of our times, there are all manners of superfluous reasoning found within the professed church. Some think if a matter is not revealed by God directly to the individual, it is not intended to be known. We have both Elisha and Daniel who will refute such reasoning. Others conclude it is never right to receive required information from others. They imagine God only deals directly with the heart, and never through one mortal communicating with another. Again, both Elisha and Daniel confirm this is not always the case. Elisha had to learn about the Shunammite's woman's situation from her. Daniel had to learn about the king's edict from Arioch. -- Tomorrow:
"And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain. Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon: He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would show the king the interpretation. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon." (Daniel 2:13-18)
Devotion 10 of 28
The fact that we may receive our information from one of our peers, our family, a fellow believer, a doctor, or some other individual, does not mean God will not work in our behalf. In Daniel's case, it may appear more humbling to have to receive the information from Arioch – especially when you are a person who has been given wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from the God of heaven. However, if that is the case, listen to what Arioch says, and rely upon the Lord to take it from there. That, of course, is precisely what Daniel will do.
ARIOCH MAKES THE THING KNOWN
"Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel." This is a most marvelous thing! This is a Babylonian speaking with a Jew, whose nation had been conquered by his own. It is an executioner, certainly not noted for holding quiet dialog with those he had been sent to put to death. He is also on a mission from the king, which surely did not allow for such delays. Further, he is certainly under no obligation to provide lengthy explanations about his mission. Yet, Arioch answer's Daniel's inquiry, sharing information that no Babylonian law compelled him to do. Surely his heart, like that of a king had been turned by God as the rivers of waters, "withsoever He will" (Prov 21:1).
In his response, the Lord is using Arioch to enlarge the understanding of Daniel. He is also providing some time in which He can speak to Daniel, and direct him in a "plain path," as another righteous man once requested: "Teach me Thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies" (Psa 27:11). The steps of Daniel are being "ordered" by God, as it is written: "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way" (Psa 37:23).
Speaking as a man, Arioch no doubt knew the king wanted to know his dream and what it meant. Perhaps the Lord used Daniel to awaken that knowledge within him, thereby constraining him to be considerate of Daniel, and not to simply snuff out his life. All of this, and more, is involved in the Lord working all things together for the good of the four children of Judah.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, teach me to ask when I should, and to trust You in all things.