Prosperity Versus Punishment

O. T. #1996  "Prosperity Versus Punishment"

August 5, 2021

Daniel 6-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

...no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he (Daniel) believed in his God. (verse 23b)

No injury whatever was found on Daniel, because he had trusted in his God.

What does that tell us? God honored Daniel's loyalty to and faith in Him. The one who trusts in God and obeys His will is untouchable until God takes him or her. To trust God is to have immeasurable peace. The God who delivered Daniel can and will deliver you and me one way or another. It may not be how we expect or could be we are taken to heaven. He is never early or late.

Then what happened?  In verses 25-27, we read what King Darius wrote to all the people, nations, and languages, saying:

• Peace (safety, prosperity, welfare, health) be multiplied unto you. When Paul wrote his letters to churches, he opened with grace and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
• The king made new decree, law. (They better take notice of what the king was saying.)
• Throughout his kingdom everyone should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel.
• He is the Living(alive, that liveth) God.
• God is stedfast (permanent, sure) forever.
• His kingdom will never be destroyed.
• His rule will never end. We know that our God is eternally sovereign. He is above all nations, kings, empires, and powers.
• God delivers and rescues His people.
• He performs signs and wonders in heaven and on earth.
• He delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. Doesn't that mean that our God is all-powerful? Yes, He is!

The miracle God performed in sparing Daniel was that men were pointed to the God of miracles. His miracles are used to turn men to Him in faith.

God could have kept Daniel out of the lions' den, but He received greater glory by rescuing him. Also, God could have rescued David from the army of Saul, but chose not to do so; He could have kept Paul out of prisons and beatings, but received more glory by not doing it. And we have encouraging Scriptures because of it, too.

Dear one, God may choose not to deliver you and me from our den of lions. If that is the case, will our faith grow stronger or will we faint, grow weary in our walk? 

Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)  

Did you notice faith is mentioned there? Can people recognize us as a Christian by our how we talk and live, if we are loving and giving, by our faith in Jesus Christ, and our purity, actions? 

 

LET IT GROW     

Daniel's accusers were punished. They sinned against God, Darius, and Daniel. We read about it in verse 24. Those men who accused Daniel were thrown into the lions' den, as well as their children and wives. Their bones were broken before they hit the ground. This was evidence that the lions had not been drugged or overfed before Daniel was placed in their den, nor were the lions toothless or tame.

Relatives were often killed when a man committed a serious crime against the royal house in the Medo-Persian empire. This prevented possible retaliation by the criminal's family. (We see this in Esther 7.)

Evil deeds often backfire on those who plan cruelty. (Life Application Study Bible)

How did it turn out for this old prophet? He prospered in the reigns of Darius and Cyrus the Persian. (verse 28)

Daniel possessed the favor of God and men, wisdom, longevity, faithfulness, godly convictions, and steadfastness in prayer. What an example for us. What a testimony to those in power.

If you find yourself in new surroundings, take the opportunity to testify about God's power in your life. Be faithful to God so He can use you to make an impact on others. (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GO

Give honor and glory to the Living God who rescues and delivers and whose kingdom is forever.

Keep praying, for God hears.

Continue to be a faithful servant of Jesus no matter the consequences.

May we be careful, for our sins will find us out.