Daniel and the Lions’ Den

I have heard this story from the Bible many times. I have enacted it with the preschoolers in Sunday School. I have read it to my grandchildren. But I have come to realize this is not just an amazing Bible story for children. This is not just a part of Bible history. This is something we still live out today.

Daniel was among the Israelites who were taken captive by the king of Babylon, and because of his good looks, intelligence, and wisdom, the officials took notice of him. They set him apart for the king along with others like him. What made Daniel stand out was not only his handsomeness but also his character. The knowledge he lived out wisely. This came from the relationship he had with God. Daniel chose not to defile himself even while held captive in a foreign country. Regardless of his circumstances, he remained steadfast in his commitment to God. Through all of his years of captivity, king after king came and went. Without regard for who reigned in Babylon, Daniel worshiped God Almighty.

When King Darius took the throne, he recognized Daniel’s intelligence and skill and planned to appoint him to a prominent position in the government of the kingdom. Of course, this did not sit well with the other Babylonian leaders. They thought an outsider who was taken captive should not be given that position over them. They enacted a plan to create a statute that would entrap Daniel. They convinced King Darius to sign into law that if anyone prays to any god or man besides Darius, they will be thrown into the lions’ den. Daniel found out the law had been signed, and his first response was to pray to God! He did this as he always did, in front of an open window where anyone could see. Daniel cared more about his relationship with God, more about pleasing God, and loving God than he did about what people would think of him, than about seeking to please the king, or even about the king’s laws that went against God.

Did God keep Daniel from the consequences of breaking the law? No. Did God keep Daniel from being thrown into the lions’ den? No. Even when we follow God and submit to Him, life in this world still throws consequences and flaming darts at us.

Like Daniel, we are thrown into the lions’ den on a regular basis. Whether it is in the work place, on social media, on the college campus or out running errands, there are lions out there prowling. That is why we are warned in 1 Peter 5:8 to “Be vigilant and cautious at all times for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. “

Yes, God let Daniel be thrown into the lions’ den. Yes, there were lions roaming around Daniel, but God shut the mouths of the lions! No roaring, no attacking. God kept Daniel safe. Just as He did for Daniel, God does for us. We are to be in the world, and that world, along with many people in it, can come against us. We can feel attacked, insignificant, unbalanced, alone, unappreciated, bullied, and beaten up, but we are not alone. God sent an angel to be with Daniel in the lions’ den. Now, as children of God who know Jesus as Savior, God gives us the Holy Spirit to empower us and comfort us. And, God Himself never leaves us or forsakes us.

So we can withstand the lions’ den. We can be “firm in our faith [against his onset-rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined].” 1 Peter 5:9a We can “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day and having done everything to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13

So stand in the lions’ den knowing God has you! You are not alone, you can handle what comes against you, and you can fight the battle in front of you. As you stand, remember you are One Dawning Light to this world!