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the big seats

Daniel 3:8-12 (JDV)

Daniel 3:8 Some Chaldeans took this occasion to step up and maliciously accuse the Jews.
Daniel 3:9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live permanently.
Daniel 3:10 You as king have issued a decree that every mortal human who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, drum, and every kind of music must fall down and worship the gold statue.
Daniel 3:11 Whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire.
Daniel 3:12 There are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men have ignored you, the king; they do not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

the big seats

When I was a teenager, I was a member of the 4-H club. One year, I participated in a mock session of the State congress. I remember what a thrill it was for me to sit in the seat of my cousin, who was a State representative at the time. Going through the process of holding that session, debating bills, and having meetings with lobbyists, I got a glimpse of how that job was done. It gave me an appreciation for those who sit in the big seats.

Daniel’s three friends got a taste of the danger of high office. The jealousy of those who were passed over turned into malicious accusations and treachery.

We should be regularly praying for those who serve in politics, no matter which party they represent. Our prayers should go beyond asking for them to vote on our side. They should also have the strength to withstand attacks from their enemies.