The open window, Message from July 2004

Theme: The open window

„Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (his windows being open in his chamber towards Jerusalem); he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Daniel 6:11

The scene takes place in the city Babylon; capital of kingdom of the Medes and the Persians. Here we find Daniel not as a slave, but rather as a man who is engaged in politics, and despite everything faithful to God. Whoever says that it is not possible to be politically active and continue to be a Christian, is relying upon his own power and understanding and not upon God. This person is the one that says that the power of God is not sufficient to protect and help him out of all situations where there is ungodliness.

Daniel was able to live for God because he had an open window! Come and let us take a look at the life of Daniel. As a boy he was taken into Babylonian captivity, and the Babylonian were aware that he had a good spirit. It should not be misunderstood that possessing a good spirit means making compromises with God and people. In verse 3 we read: “Then this Daniel was preferred above the president and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him!" His political opponents sought to get rid of him, but they could not find anything wrong with him whatsoever for he was faithful. What a testimony, even his enemies failed to find fault with him.

They kept on searching, where did he have a weakness? What was his strength? If they had grasped that then they would have left Daniel alone. They marched therefore to the king and persuaded him to issue a law, stating that for 30 days no one would be allowed to request something of God or of anybody else apart from the king. Whoever does this nevertheless will be thrown into the lion den. The king felt flattered and signed without suspecting anything. This law was immediately announced throughout the whole region.

Everything was silent in Babylon, not one prayer was heard anywhere from the "synagoges mosques and churches". But there was still someone who did not fear the devil and the roaring lions. God had constantly been so loyal to Daniel throughout the many years how could he ever push God to the side now for thirty days! No, not even for one day. If nobody wants to pray, if nobody wants to give thanks then I will give thanks, I will go to the window! This portrays Daniel's strength of character. At the open window he thanked God and perhaps he prayed in this way: "Lord, I just briefly wanted to thank you now, and I don't know how much more time I've got to do that only you know. Things don't look too good at all; they're going to throw me to the lions, but I just wanted to tell you I'am glad that I know you and that you're my God". It was quiet in Babylon, but Daniel was not. You could hear his voice, his light was burning.

He was not scared, he had an open window. From here he went to the king, from there to the lion's den but God protected him. The next morning Daniel was taken out without being harmed, but now they took the enemies of Daniel and their families and threw them in there and they were immediatelly torn by the lions. A lesson for all, who mock God.

My friend, will God find you at your open window when everyone else is doubting his power? God is working for people like Daniel who will not bow down to the god of this world, who has blinded their minds so that they do not believe. 2 Corinthians 4:4. (rw)