Victory Over Lions | Daniel 6
Welcome to Real Life. Who are we trying to please?
“Not everyone has to like me...
I can't force people to have good taste.”
Anonymous
No matter how hard we try to do everything right, some people will not like us. Daniel was an all-around great guy—loyal, wise, and full of integrity! King Darius recognized his exceptional qualities and planned to set him over the entire kingdom. The other administrators, however, grew jealous. They spied on Daniel trying to detect some fault, some corruption, some negligence in him. But they found nothing. Finally, they realized the only way to take Daniel down was to find something to do with the law of his God.
Daniel’s enemies noticed that he prayed three times a day with his window open towards Jerusalem. They devised a plan, and approached King Darius, saying, “May the king live forever! We all agree the king should issue a decree that anyone who prays to any god or human for the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the den of lions.” The idea stroked the king’s ego. He issued the decree.
After hearing the news, Daniel could have chosen to pray silently, privately, and secretly. He did not. He continued to pray three times a day before his open window. The administrators notified the king. Although Darius was distressed and searched for a loophole to rescue Daniel, according to the Law of the Medes and Persians, the king could not rescind his decree.[1] And so, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den.
King Darius tossed and turned all night. At dawn, he raced to the lions’ den and called out, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”
“God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions,” Daniel replied.
King Darius was overjoyed. Daniel was lifted out of the den. Then, at the king’s command, the men who falsely accused Daniel were thrown in. Before their bodies hit the dirt, the lions crushed their bones.
What can we learn from Daniel? First, character matters. Let's strive to be people of wisdom, loyalty, and integrity. Be an asset to any team. Although Daniel was held captive in a pagan land, he did not withdraw and isolate. He never used his faith as an excuse to shirk his responsibilities. As a government official, Daniel openly worked for the good of Babylon while openly practicing his faith. The quality of his work and character were noticed and rewarded.
Second, please God rather than man. Early on, Daniel resolved not to defile himself in the king’s court.[2] The morals and laws of this world constantly shift with the culture. God’s law never changes. When the law of the land changed, Daniel remained steadfast. Because he did, God honored and protected him.
Third, when hurt or wronged, don’t seek revenge. “Vengeance is mine. I will repay,” says the Lord.[3] In Daniel’s case, his enemies were quickly and publicly punished. This doesn’t always happen. I haven’t seen anyone thrown to the lions lately. But of this we can be sure. God is just. In the end, he will make all things right.[4]
And yet, like Daniel, no matter how hard we try to do everything right, some people will not like us. That’s okay. We answer to a higher authority. Our God—who is the same yesterday, today, and forever—loves us unconditionally. That will never change!
Dear Father God,
Teach us how to live with wisdom, loyalty, and integrity.
So that our character reflects your heart.
Though we live in this world,
I pray we will not bend to the whims of culture.
Keep us firmly grounded in the truth of your Word.
And when lions surround and attack us,
Protect us. Restrain us from seeking revenge.
We love you, Lord, and trust you to make all things right.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Image: Briton Riviere (1840 - 1920) Daniel in the Lions Den, published by Thomas Agnew and Sons 1892, Public Domain
[1] Ancient Persian attitudes towards their rulers implied that the king was the law, and the law could not contradict itself. This meant that edicts specifically authorized by the king were irrevocable: they could not be undone or repealed.
[2] Daniel 1:8
[3] Romans 12:19
[4] Ecclesiastes 12:14, Revelation 22:12
