Daniel 2016

Last year, we went through the book of Daniel together, and we paid particular attention to a few recurring truths about Daniel:

• God specifically gifted Daniel (and his friends) in ways that would help others flourish.
• Daniel used his giftedness diligently to make his (pagan) boss, the king, very successful.
• Repeatedly, God elevated Daniel further into the pagan structure to have even greater influence on the pagan culture.

We also noted that God's sovereignty extends over all kings and all kingdoms. He even allowed Nebuchadnezzar to desecrate the temple in Jerusalem and take His people captive, but note well, by means of His sovereignty over both nations in order to accomplish His purposes on earth.

How, then, does Daniel inform the ugly, confusing election season of 2016? As much as I detest the phrase "the evangelical vote," this election cycle has sharply divided evangelicals more than I ever recall, so are there lessons here that we can collectively hold?

First, we must remember that the God who was sovereign over kings and kingdoms in Daniel's day is the same God today with the same sovereignty and the same End Game. No matter who is elected, no matter what they do, no matter how much they embrace or how far they depart from God's wisdom, He is still sovereign. Completely. And with that sovereignty, He's still playing to that End Game. No matter how involved you might be in the political process, He is involved completely.

Second, and closely related to the first, is that things may look like they are completely under the influence of those who deny God His rightful place, but that doesn't mean we're "losing." Let there be no confusion - I do not use the terms "win" and "lose" politically. In no way do I suggest one candidate or party is this "winning" that I'm referring to. Daniel's context had no sense of this. I'm speaking in terms of those who follow God, and the feeling that we're "losing" if unbelievers gain more power and influence. But that feeling is a false one - God steadily marches toward His purpose through horrible and wonderful leaders alike. Daniel wasn't losing, and neither are we.

Third, no matter who our leaders are or what kind of government looms over us, we have the same charge as Daniel. Be God's people without compromise, apology, or unnecessary contention. Use your gifts for the welfare of the culture. Daniel did not draw the line at losing his culture. He drew the line only around dilemmas of loyalty, and then he drew the line definitively. He used his God-given gifts to help a pagan culture prosper up until the point of loyalty to God. But at that point, he did not compromise even under threat of certain death. His contemporary wrote, "Seek the welfare of the city," referring to that pagan city of Babylon - seek the welfare of Babylon (http://ref.ly/Jer29.7)! You have been gifted by God to cause others to flourish ... whether they follow God or not. Draw the line at the right place.

The church can be the church regardless of government. The church must be the church regardless of government, or it's not the church! No matter what happens politically, the church must love God, neighbor, and "enemy"; the church must hold up God's truth without adding to it or taking away from it; the church must seek justice and humbly serve the vulnerable; and the church must be willing to walk into the lion's den rather than compromise her loyalty (but the church must never confuse the lion's den with losing the perch of cultural dominance).

I will not suggest how you should vote. I won't even try to guilt you into voting or being involved politically. I will, however, echo Jesus' words that you seek first His Kingdom.