Last week, we looked at the conspiracy that took place to remove Daniel from his lofty position in Babylon, probably motivated by the jealousy of those who were less capable than Daniel but who wanted his position. The only way to do that in their mind was to manipulate a law forbidding anyone in the kingdom of praying to anyone but the king. Daniel prayed, he was caught in the act, and the king had no choice but to sentence Daniel to a night in the lions' den:
When the king heard this [that Daniel was praying], he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him. Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.” So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!" (Daniel 6:14-16).
The king actually prayed for Daniel's protection, providing us a stunning summary of Daniel's life from the king's perspective, for he said that Daniel was continually serving his God. We all know how the story ends, for God heard the king's prayer and did just that: rescue him.
THREE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
We are told that the king could not sleep during the night of Daniel's imprisonment: "Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep" (Daniel 6:18). When is the last time that an unbeliever prayed for you or spent a night concerned for your well-being? It's probably been a while, if ever, but that gives you an idea of the impact Daniel made on those around him through his commitment to excellence and his God.
I count three sleepless nights invested in Daniel's dilemma. One was the king's, the other was Daniel's (I assume), and the third was Daniel's protector: "Daniel answered, 'May the 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, Your Majesty" (Daniel 6:22-23). Now I know angels don't sleep, and neither does the Lord: "He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:3-4). We can rest because God doesn't and is mindful of our situations. The only way you will know that to be true is for God to put you in your own lions' den so He can prove His faithfulness.
TIMES OF TESTING
When I was involved in prison ministry, I prepared the inmates (or tried to do so) for their own lions' den. I warned them that they would be tested and it was not because they had done anything wrong, but because God wanted to reveal to them the truth of His promises of protection, which are many:
- He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart (Psalm 91:4).
- The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore (Psalm 121:7-8).
- The Lord protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes (Psalm 41:2).
- God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
- You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7).
- In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8).
- The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9).
The times of testing provide us with great opportunities to live out the truths found in the verses above. Daniel discovered that truth and so did the king who prayed for his protection.
How about you? Are you in the lions' den? if you are, then you have a wonderful opportunity to apply your faith to the promises above. I trust your den experience is not because of your own irresponsibility but is because of your stand for the Lord and His righteousness in your life. If it is, then stand strong. God has control of the lions and He will shut their mouths. If He does not, it's not because He does not care or cannot do so, it's because He has something better in mind for you. If you are not in the lions' den, then file this away some place where you can access it, for one day you will be there, and when you are, remember Daniel and God's promises to protect you just like He did him. Have a blessed week.
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