TSIYON NEWS

From Eliyahu

Consider this:

 

Integrity seems to be in short supply in every sector of society today. Integrity is an element of character. People with integrity have a well trained conscience that impels them to do the right thing, even when nobody would know if they did the wrong thing, even when doing the right thing hurts, even when everyone around them would do the wrong thing in the same situation. Closely related to integrity is what the Scriptures call "fear of God." Fear of God is a huge factor urging integrity, because the person who has fear of God makes it their business to know God's standard of right and wrong (His commandments) to do them. Such a person knows:

"The Word of Elohim is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do." Hebrews 4:12-13

 There are many great examples of people with integrity in Scripture, the very best being our Messiah. Granted, some might consider Him to be too high a bar to compare themselves to. Fair enough. How about Daniel living in exile in Babylon, much like we live in heathen nations today?

 

Because of Daniel's wisdom, honesty and competence, he was employed in a high position in the government of Babylon. However, he was not well-liked by his fellow employees. Why? Because his excellence of character and the performance level it produced was so much higher than the pagans around him, it made them look bad.

The problem for them was that Daniel had earned the king's trust, so that the king trusted, and even admired, Daniel. That meant they had to SEEM to admire him too. But, of course, they were two-faced, and wanted to destroy Daniel in a way that would appear to be his fault - not theirs. So they schemed to destroy him.

Scheming enemies is an occupational hazard for all people of integrity. The more you walk in integrity the more you will be maligned and slandered by deceptive schemers who outwardly look good, but inwardly are driven by evil hearts, so beware. But I digress. Back to Daniel's secret enemies. They schemed to get a law passed 'that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of the king, shall be cast into the den of lions.' The king was deceived and signed it.

 

Daniel openly prayed to YHWH three times every day. That was his established custom. Once the bogus law was passed he could easily have avoided the penalty, simply by altering his custom for 30 days - he wouldn't do that. He had too much integrity for that. If he had done that people would have found fault with his faith, and with His God. No, he would brave his way through, trusting YHWH.

 

We all know what happened. How Daniel's enemies followed through with their scheme, accusing Daniel. How Daniel  would not recant, so was thrown overnight into a den of hungry lions. In the morning, when the king went to see what had happened, Daniel emerged unharmed, praising YHWH for saving him. After that, the king, now wise to what Daniel's enemies had done, subjected them to the same punishment they had designed for Daniel. Needless to say, in the end of it, the scheme of the schemers fell upon their own heads - as it always eventually will.

 

I think the part of this story Daniel liked best, even better than being saved from the lions, was this:

Then king Darius wrote ... "Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree, that in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast forever, His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed; and his dominion shall be even to the end. He delivers and rescues, and he works signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions." Daniel 6:25-27

My friends, walk in integrity toward YHWH. If you do so, you will make enemies, and they will assail you. Don't let that surprise you. Trust YHWH and act in the fear of God, and you will emerge as the victor - just like Daniel.

 

Real integrity requires that we know the commands of YHWH, to do them. That's why we invite you to join us online for our study of His Torah each week. We want that for us, and for you! One aspect of integrity is to be consistent in righteousness. Please join us weekly to build up your knowledge of His requirements, directly from His Word. Tonight we are offering you a great study that is especially good for building up your integrity. If you want that for your life, then join us tonight at Tsiyon.Net at 8 PM, CST. This study is so helpful and practical, I am excited to share this with you.

 

Blessings and good health to you,

 

Eliyahu
Tsiyon.Org

 

PS - a new episode of Hebraic Insights In The Gospels podcast is posted.
 

PSS - Did you do this yet? Click each of them for more.