True Reward

Daniel 5:13-17 So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? 14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. 15 The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. 16 Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” 17 Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.”
 
JESUS and the New Testament writers teach us to submit to earthly authorities as well as our Father in heaven. Matthew 22:21Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God's.” And Paul writes in Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Daniel fulfilled this command long before it was spoken. He was a prophet who lived under God’s knowledge, obedient to his Lord.
    That is why Daniel says, "You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.” He could have refused this pagan king. As one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah, Daniel could have been bitter and disobedient in his ongoing captivity.
    But he, like Joseph long before him, put God’s purposes above his own desires. He was a humble servant of the Most High God. Belshazzar believed Daniel had the spirit of the gods. But he didn’t know Daniel had the Spirt of Most High God in his heart, mind and soul. The Spirit formed Daniel into a true wise man who closely followed the LORD God. Physical reward meant nothing to Daniel. His reward was in a personal, humble obedience to God.
    This is a true model for our lives. God gives us skills and talents to serve our communities, even if we disagree with our leaders. This also must be even more so in the church. Our work is to use those skills to God’s glory, knowing our true reward is in heaven.
 
Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.