Nip It In The Bud

O. T. #1995  "Nip It In The Bud"

August 4, 2021

Daniel 6-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

If I recall correctly, Barney Fife told his boss, Andy Griffin, to "nip it in the bud" in concern for Opie to not repeat a bad action. Sometimes we need to do that for our children or grand children. So a wrong action or attitude will not continue, we must put a stop to it with discipline/correction. Today's king did so in an extraordinary way. continue reading to find out why and how of it.

King Darius was manipulated by some of his officials into making the new law so Daniel would be thrown into the lions' den to be destroyed and gotten rid of by jealous and envious men. Their prejudices were coming through loud and clear, for they did not want a foreigner to have a higher position they had in their own land.

What Daniel was guilty of was praying 3 times daily to Almighty God. They could change his name, try to change his eating food offered to idols and wine to drink, but Daniel remained faithful to the God of Israel.

Was the servant of the Living God able to deliver His continuous servant? Yes, He was. For I think it was Jesus Himself that came that night to shut the hungry lions' mouths so they would not hurt Daniel. The Lamb of God came down from heaven to rescue, deliver, and tend to His faithful servant.

What happened next?

• Darius was exceeding glad, over joyed, to hear the Good News-Jesus saves!
• The king ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den.
• No manner of hurt, not a scratch was found on Daniel, because he believed in his God.

How far are we willing to go in order to follow Jesus in His will for our life? (After all, Jesus gave His very life on a cross so we could be set free from the penalty of sin.) Such love and amazing grace!

He will command His angels concerning you to guard you.      (Ps. 91:11)

Angels exist as supernatural creatures in and about heaven, and they are frequently dispatched to earth in human form to bring encouragement and assistance. They are often invisible but never impotent. (Charles Swindoll)

I wonder if each lion had its own angel attending it while Jesus spoke to His faithful servant in a lions' den.

Do you have a story of divine deliverance to tell?

LET IT GROW

Daniel's accusers were punished and his God praised.

King Darius commanded that those maliciously accusing men of Daniel's be arrested and thrown into that very lions' den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den. (NLT)

The king was wise to "nip in the bud" any possible retaliation by the criminals' families. Also, it would deter any such drastic justice for any potential enemies. (Swindoll)

 

LET IT GO

May we be found a faithful servant of the Living God.

Keep us in Your will, Your way, Today, always, I pray.

Work on me so I will be....