“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before His God, as he did aforetime.” Daniel 6:10
The testimony of Daniel’s life was a remarkable one. He served kings over the span of several empires. It was during the reign of King Darius that Scripture declares: “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him: and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” (Dan. 6:3) Scripture tells us that “…he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.” (v.4) Even after the accusations of his enemies resulted in him being cast into the lions den, King Darius would come early in the morning, and with a lamentable voice cry out to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, who thou serve continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?” (6:20) Daniel was saved that day from the lions, by Daniel’s own words to King Darius, revealing why: “…O king, live forever. My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths.” How is it that Daniel could have, and maintain, such a sterling character before God, being faithful to Him first of all, and then faithful to the kings that he served? It was because of “first things” that Daniel always took care of to do. From his earliest days, after being taken captive with the exiles of Jerusalem to be the servant of the Babylonians, he purposed in his heart to be faithful to God. He also learned the “means” by which this could be done, for only God could put into Daniel what was needed that he should be such being able to overcome such great opposition to him when he honestly and successfully, faithfully served the kings. What were those “essential means,” those first things?
In the book of Revelation, we find that the glorified, risen Christ, addressed the church located in Ephesus. This church was exemplary in that its doctrine was apparently impeccable, and its zeal was commendable. However, this group of believers ran the risk of not being in a relationship with God which would allow the Eternal God to meet them in an essential way. What was it that was the first thing? The Lord simply put it like this, “You have left your first love.” (2:4) The first, and greatest commandment that God has given to men is that men should love Him, with the whole heart. Daniel learned early this blessed lesson, and the blessing of God was put upon him. What does it mean to love the Lord God? How is it to be done and maintained.
In the life of the Lord Jesus, we see him, even in the middle of a vastly absorbing ministry, taking time, and rising “a great while before day,” coming aside to pray to the Father. In other words, love for the Father, expressed in time alone with Him, in communion with Him, time to worship to pray, and hear what the Father would say, was paramount to all. Ministry was not to be the king, nor the first thing, but love, worship, and communion with the Father. The result was very evident. God the Father’s blessing was upon the Lord Jesus so that no man spoke like him, quelled storms by his word, or healed the brokenhearted, as well as the sick and dying.
The second thing, beyond coming aside to be alone with God, is to sit at Jesus’ feet, as Mary did, being commended by Jesus. He said: “Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (10:42) For Mary, one thing was needful, to sit at Jesus’ feet, hear His voice, in love and devotion to Him. Her sister Martha on the other hand was full of care, troubled by many things. She was not tending to the first things.
Dear Father, Strengthen us to choose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.