Bible Heroes
The Undaunted Public Official

By David M. McNabb

Many, years ago, certain politicians took exception to the practices of those that believed in and served the living God. They conspired against and pursued legislation prohibiting the free and open practice of their faith. In fact, any exhibition of faith in God was targeted ... even done in the privacy of one's own home.

These "public servants" knew, however, that true believers would be undaunted in their worship. Indeed, they had counted on the continuation of the now-illegal practices.

As has been the case throughout history, faithful followers of Jehovah have been found in many walks of life - even politics. One such leader found himself at odds with the law of the land: the same law he was supposed to uphold and defend. His colleagues despised his worship of God, and, in fact, had him in mind when they presented the new ordinance.

Unbeknownst to this official, he was put under surveillance. Disregarding the law, he behaved as before. As soon as he called upon the Most High, his enemies had the evidence they needed. They brought charges against him, to which he pled no contest. The sentence: death.

Of course, God stopped the mouth's of the lions, and Daniel lived. Because of Daniel's faith, determination and deliverance, God revealed His power to the nation of Babylon. As a result, the king said "I make a decree, that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for He is the living God, and steadfast forever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions." (Dan. 6:25-27)

I was reminded of this story by something that appeared in the Springfield paper recently. One of the editorials focused on a U.S. government official's practice of morning Bible study and prayer. That public servant's name is John Ashcroft.

Since his nomination to the office of Attorney General, John Ashcroft has been under attack. Disregarding his record of honesty, loyalty and justice, "the left," with the cooperation of "the media" have tried to insist that his faith would hinder his objectivity.

Now, they are accusing him of possibly showing favoritism to those who attend his daily Bible study and prayer meeting, over those who do not.

They also take exception to certain rules which he has put into place since assuming that office. The rule they cite? Ashcroft has requested that no document with his signature use the word "pride," which the Bible considers a sin. Additionally, he has asked Justice Department employees to refrain from using phrases such as "no higher calling than public service."

It is encouraging to know that the highest law enforcement agent in our country is a born-again, spirit-filled believer. Not only so, but has made no secret of the importance of his faith throughout his public service career which has taken him from serving as attorney general and later governor of Missouri. From there he went on to be that state's U. S. senator.

We must keep him, and all of our brothers and sisters in public service, in our prayers. Politics is the enemy's battleground - and he has home field advantage. Wickedness is rampant in the political arena, and those who share our common faith need all the help from God they can get - not only to resist the temptations inherent in politics, but also to make a difference in a world where Satan is boss. You can be sure that our adversary is not pleased when righteous people land in positions of authority.

Do you hear the roar in the background? It sounds like the lions are about to be unleashed. Be not dismayed, saints. We must remain faithful to our Lord, knowing that He delivered Daniel from the lions' den, and He will deliver us out of the hands of our enemies.

We must only trust Him.