Dear Daniel,

How did you do it? You were the King's favorite, it was obvious you were going to be governor. How did you take the risk to throw it all away?

Maybe you didn't quite understand what was stake. Maybe you didn't understand the importance of what you were throwing away. Maybe you didn't know the rest of us looked up to you. The slave boy, who was called before the King; whose seat survived the Persian invasion. The slave boy who would become Governor of Babylon. Why would you?

The instruction was simple Daniel. Only worship the King. Don't worship God. Even if you were going to worship God and pray,you didn't have to do it with the windows open, where you could be seen. You could have prayed in your room. In the closet, anywhere! But you chose to pray, so you could be seen.

What was your end game? Did you grow proud? Did you want to prove a point? Did you believe the God that couldn't save us from Nebuchadnezzar would save you from dirty politics? If He didn't save his beloved Israel, what made you think he'd save you?
I believe this is out of peer pressure. You want to outshine Shedrach, Meshack and Abednego. You want to outdo their miracle. You've grown proud Daniel, tempting the Lord God of Israel. Let's see you get out of this one.

I'd pray for the forgiveness of your soul and the liberation of Israel. Good luck with the lions.

Yours faithfully,

A former fan,
Jedidiah.