7-7-10

DANIEL 6

Daniel in the Lions’ Den. Most know this story, even those who are not Bible believers. Darius, a Mede, is now the king, passes a law at the behest of his commissioners and satraps (local rulers), that for 30 days, nobody should pray to or worship any god but him. Of course, Daniel cannot comply with this rule, as it goes against God, he prays daily as usual, is accused by the commissioners and satraps, and thrown into to the lions’ den as punishment.

Daniel says God sent His angel to protect him, and Daniel’s faithfulness to God and God’s great protection is on display as he makes it safely through this trial. Darius then kills those who accused Daniel, by tossing them into that same den. OK, that’s the story, all true, how about some background and a few subtle parts that might go less-noticed in this chapter?

Daniel, a Jew, has been appointed as one of three commissioners, and there are also 120 satraps, subordinate to the commissioners, who are in turn under Darius. Darius plans to appoint Daniel as the top of these three commissioners. That does not sit well with the other two, and the other local rulers. So they hatch the plan that is the basis of this story.

As God had this chapter penned, note how Daniel is described. No corruption found in him, faithful, even Darius recognizes through Daniel how great God is, calling Him “the living God”. You get the idea that Darius knows his other gods are not really alive.

Daniel is a prayer warrior. Three times a day, on his knees, as the text says. Daniel is no longer a young man by this time, possibly in his 60’s. He knows what is important, and that is praying to God, and giving Him thanks, daily, regularly. God has continued to be with Daniel, and His people, for that matter, during this exile. And the purpose of the exile was to judge Israel/Judah for their idolatry. What better way to do that but by taking them away from their homeland, into a land of many other gods, and showing them who is the the God, no matter what it takes, and no matter what the circumstance. And Daniel is privileged to help them see God for who He is.

SO WHAT...?

So while I am not challenged to have to bow down to a king or face punishment, I certainly face other gods of this world daily. I pray that I can be faithful, and have no corruption found in me, so that those around me can see the true God.

So, courage for God must remain and prevail. Whatever that looks like for me today, I must be strong and courageous for Him. If I can’t do that, I miss the point of Him saving me, I miss the opportunity to be used for Him and His glory.

So I need to remember to pray faithfully, regularly, with praise and thanks.