SCRIPTURE: DANIEL 6
DANIEL IN THE DEN OF LIONS (vs. 1-28)
King Darius appointed Daniel as one of the administrators over 120 satraps. The satraps were envious so they tired to find grounds for charges against Daniel. But Daniel was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. So they were unable to do so. The only way they could find is through religion. So, the administrators and satraps told the king to issue an edict that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next 30 days except to the king shall be thrown into the lion’s den. So, king Darius put the decree in writing.
When Daniel learned about the decree, he continued to pray three times a day with opened windows toward Jerusalem. When those men saw Daniel praying, they reported to the king to enforce the decree. When the king heard it, he was greatly distressed but in accordance with the laws of Medes and Persians, decrees that had been issued cannot be repealed. So, they king gave order and Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den. The king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and slept. At the first light of dawn, the king set up and hurried to the lion’s den. He called Daniel saying: “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.” (vs. 19-22). The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. Then the king issued a decree that in every part of his kingdom, people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. (vs. 24-28)
THOUGHTS:
The administrator and princes were jealous of Daniel because he worked more efficiently and capably than all the rest. So, they find a way to attack Daniel through the religion he believed. They prompted the king to sign a law that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next 30 days except to king shall be thrown into the lion’s den. Daniel knew about the law but he continued to pray three times a day. He remained faithful no matter what the consequences will be. Do not let threats or pressures cut into your prayer time. Pray regularly no matter what because prayer is your lifeline to God.
Nebuchadnezzar had come to believe the Israel’s God was real because of the faithfulness of Daniel’s friends. Now, Darius was also convinced of God’s power because Daniel was faithful and God had rescued him. Daniel’s devotion to God was a testimony to a powerful ruler. Be sure to take every opportunity to testify about God’s power to others. Your faithfulness to God will make an impact on others.