Strengthening the King

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(Daniel 11:1) And as for me [Daniel], in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him.

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Daniel's devotion to the King of king's allowed him to freely confirm and strengthen Darius. This ruler "introduced" himself to the Babylonians by his military invasion. When Daniel chose death by lions instead of death by godlessness (Daniel 6), he taught Darius to live. Daniel confirmed and strengthened Darius by communicating the richness and certainty of God's Word even though he didn't grasp all of its details (Daniel 9:1-23; 12:8-11).

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As a godly person, too, I have a responsibility to care for the souls of all governmental and political leaders whether I agree with their "ways and means," or their methods, motives, or morals. Although I don't share Daniel's political position, I do share his call to love and pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-6).

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King Jesus, I confess that sometimes I wear my political convictions like an obnoxious shirt. I repent. Help me to still hold bold convictions, but above all else to communicate loving compassion for the well-being of all citizens. As I participate in the costly privilege of self-government, help me to represent Your kingdom well. Yours is the eternal kingdom.