Facing a Lions' Den

O. T. #1993n  "Facing a Lions' Den"

August 2, 2021

Daniel 6-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Many times I have faced lions in the form of parents and principals using hateful words to get their way for a child. When I knew my actions were right, I did not yield. Several times I was not rehired as a teacher there. But God always provided another place of service when I remained faithful to His Word.

They couldn't find any fault in Daniel, so the conspiracy had to attack his faith and religion. Other officials went behind his back and convinced King Darius to make a new law that people could only pray to the king for 30 days or else be thrown into the lions den immediately. (The law could not be changed either.) Can't you see them laughing and jesting that they had him now, Daniel. They knew Daniel's routine was to pray to God three times a day in his house with windows open toward Jerusalem. Yep, it wouldn't be long before he was out of there, so they thought.

Daniel would not disobey God in order to please the king, though. (Do not have any other gods before the Lord God, nor bow down to them.) Those enemies of Daniel went to the king for his conviction.

That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. (verse 13)

When the king heard about Daniel's actions, he was deeply troubled and tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament. However, he was unsuccessful and time came for the inevitable-throw Daniel into the lions den.

May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you, the king told Daniel. (verse 16)

Daniel knew what was ahead of him, yet he continued to show integrity by consistently walking with God. How's our walk with Him? What priority are we giving God's Word? Are we applying it? How effective is our prayer time?

LET IT GROW

Peter tells us that for the sake of conscience toward (Him) a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. (1Peter 2:19)

For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. (1 Peter 2:20)

Daniel was forced to face the lions' den for acting righteously before God. Also, he did no without complaining and with a clear conscience before Darius and the Lord.

C.F. Keil described what archaeologists discovered about the lions' dens in ancient Morocco, which could have been similar to that of Darius:

It was a large square cavern under the earth, having a partition-wall in the middle of it, with a door that the keeper could open and close from above. Food was thrown into the empty chamber enticing the lions to enter and eat what was there. The vacant space could then be cleaned during that time. The cavern could be opened above so as to look down into the den. This describes what the text says in verses 16-17 regarding the lions' den.

The king spake and said unto Daniel, "Thy God whom thou servest continually, He will deliver thee."

How obvious it is that the king was friends with the elderly Daniel and did not want to do that. He was hoping God would rescue Daniel. A stone covered the mouth of the den, the king sealed it with his own signet, so it could not be changed concerning Daniel. (verse 17)

Then the king went to his palace, fasting, without music, and sleep.

We know the rest of the story. But Daniel did not know how it would turn out for him. Yet he walked and lived by faith.

 

LET IT GO

Jesus, may we walk and live by faith, serving You.

When we suffer for doing right, give us strength to carry on.

Bless Your children all over the world who suffer for the cause of Christ. with peace, love, and faith.

To You be the glory.