Today's lesson comes from Daniel 6: 10, 16, 19-26. The story of Daniel and the lions' den is very familiar to most people. In the painting of the story, artists often portray Daniel as a young or middle-aged man. In reality, he was quite old at this time. He had proved true to God throughout the duration of the Babylonian captivity. Now with the Medo-Persian Empire in power, Daniel did not compromise or change his behavior. He remained true to God.
Because of Daniel's sterling character and experience, "Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes." The ruler Darius had found that Daniel had "an excellent spirit." Daniel was about 80 years old at the time of this lesson. There were several among the presidents and princes that were jealous of Daniel and they wanted to get rid of him. They had Darius sign a decree that for thirty days no one could petition any God or man. All requests had to come to the king.
The first section is "Daniel Arrested." vv. 10-18 Daniel had no knowledge of the decree until after it was signed. A law of the Medes and Persians could not be changed. Daniel did not complain about his circumstances, he went to prayer like he always did. He prayed as he always did with the windows open facing Jerusalem. He "prayed and gave thanks." He knew he could be facing death but that did not cause Daniel to change what he had always done. Daniel was setting an example for other Jews to be steadfast and faithful. The envious princes were delighted as their plot had worked. Daniel was arrested and brought to the lions den. The king told Daniel that there was no hope for him except for, "thy God, whom thou servest continually." Since Darius could not deliver Daniel, his only hope was in God. Today, since God dwells in the heart of believers, there is no need to pray facing a particular direction. Other than the directional praying, the message from Daniel to us is to remain steadfast and true to our God, regardless of the consequences.
The second section is "Daniel Delivered." vv. 19-23 King Darius had spent a sleepless night because he was concerned about Daniel in the lions den. Early in the morning, he went to check on Daniel, "Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God," "Is thy God...able to deliver thee from the lions?" Daniel responds, "O king, live forever." It is explained that "God hath sent His angel." Whether the angel stood guard or took away the lions appetitie we do not know. However, we do know that the angel guarded Daniel and he survived the night. "No matter of hurt was found" upon Daniel. There was not even a scratch on him. It was Daniel's faithfulness (serving God continually) and his innocence which were the foundations enabling him to have a strong, unwavering faith.
The third section is "Enemies Destroyed." v. 24 The king now commanded Daniel's accussers to be brought forth and cast into the lions den. The word "accused" in Aramaic language means to "to chew to bits, or to eat the flesh of." It is ironic that those that sought to have Daniel devoured by lions would suffer the fate themselves. The famous Nazarene evangelist Uncle Bud Robinson preached a message, "Chickens Come Home to Roost." The meaning is that when evil people design evil against God's people, their desire for others to be killed comes back to them. Think about Moses who was to be drowned, but it was Pharaoh's army that drowned. Think about Haman from the book of Esther. He built the gallows for Mordecai but it was he that was hanged. Darius orders not only those individuals that created the plot against Daniel to be thrown to the lions, but also the wives and children. They were eaten and crushed before they ever hit the bottom of the den. The lions were hungry that day.
The fourth section is "Darius's Decree." vv. 25-27 God's purpose was that "all people, nations, and languages" would be made aware of the true God and worship Him. Sometimes, God uses miracles to accomplish His purposes. In this case, Darius issued a decree that "men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel." It is God who makes all things and governs all things. He will use situations and circumstances to bring about His perfect will. He is sovereign, and no human or demonic power can thwart His plans. The deliverance of Daniel gave evidence of God's power and goodness. We do serve a great and mighty God!
My summary points:
1. If you are living a godly life, you don't need to make any changes when persecution comes.
2. Faithfulness is the foundation for faithful living.
3. Those that design evil against you will reap their harvest of evil.
4. God is Sovereign so we can trust His plans and methods.
The Golden Text is: "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." (Psalm 91:11) The angels of God have a special charge to accompany, defend, and preserve us as believers. They may turn away danger and keep us safe from harm. We should always remember that we are never away from Gd's protection, and that includes protection by angels. As we follow God, He will continue to guide and protect us, no matter what the circumstances look like.
Next week's lesson, "An Everlasting Dominion." (Daniel 7:7-14)
Please read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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