July 19 – An Eighty Year Old Leader

Daniel 6:1 – 3

Darius reorganized his kingdom. He appointed one hundred twenty governors to administer all the parts of his realm. Over them were three vice-regents, one of whom was Daniel. The governors reported to the vice-regents, who made sure that everything was in order for the king. But Daniel, brimming with spirit and intelligence, so completely outclassed the other vice-regents and governors that the king decided to put him in charge of the whole kingdom.

How many active eighty year old leaders do you know? Looking at the age records there are actually four members of the US Senate and twelve members of the US House of Representatives who are well over 80 years old. Daniel was in his eighties when the Medo-Persia kingdom began ruling Babylon. Now most eighty year olds are either dead or living in an assisted living situation. Well, that is not totally true—I know several eighty and ninety year olds who are still living in their own homes, mowing their own lawns and even driving their own cars—and doing everything very well. All of these folks are still bright, alert and contributing to our society by encouraging others, living their own lives to the fullest, and active in their communities. They may not be the national leader that Daniel was, but they are still leaders within their circle of friends and families.

There were obviously problems within the Meso-Persian government, but Darius was on top of it with his appointment of 120 governors and the vice-reagents to manage all the territories. Once again, Daniel was amazing. He was certainly filled with the spirit and not only managed his responsibilities well, but was a good example to the other managers. Trustworthy. That is an excellent quality to possess. It was one of Daniel’s many quality characteristics. In addition to trustworthy, Daniel was faithful, diligent, pure, and a man of integrity. Darius knew that he could count on Daniel to be honest and dependable.

What are your characteristics? Our values are reflected in our personality qualities. Daniel’s qualities were exemplary and that proved to be a problem for him as we will see when we look at the next verses. Spiritually, Daniel was faithful to his God, as he had been in the past. We need to look at our own qualities and how they can be used by the Lord—are you feasting or fasting from His Word. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You, Psalm 119:11 (NASB). If you are hiding His Word in your heart, then those qualities will eventually become part of you. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you, Matthew 6:33 (NASB).

Dear Lord Jesus, I am seeking You with all of my heart. Please show me more of You and give me understanding and wisdom that I would be more like Daniel, who was a man after Your own heart.  

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.