Scripture

Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.

Observation

The king tries to find a way to circumvent his own law in order to save Daniel, but he cannot At the demands of the officials, Daniel is thrown into the lions’ den and the entry is sealed.

The king spends an anxious night before going to the lions den and calling to Daniel. Daniel responds that the Lord sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, The king orders Daniel to be lifted from the den.

The man who had maliciously accused Daniel, along with their wives and children, are thrown into the lions den where they are instantly torn apart by the lions.

King Darius then sends a message throughout the kingdom ordering all the people to fear the Lord.

Application

Daniel was greatly blessed by the Lord because of his faithfulness to God.

Despite being at the mercy of a number of lions, Daniel emerged without even a scratch, because he trusted the Lord.

Earlier, in the book of Daniel, his three friends were thrown into a furnace because they refused to bow down to a statue. Their response was, “Our God is able to save us, but even if he doesn’t, we will never bow down to a statue.

Daniel’s attitude was the same. He knew that God could save him but even if God did not intervene, he would remain faithful.

From the earliest days of the church, followers of Christ have been tortured and killed for their faith, sometimes literally thrown to the lions like Daniel was. This continues today in many parts of the world. We must not assume that these people are less in faith or stature than Daniel. They are to be honoured for their courage in suffering.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to be faithful in times of suffering for the name of Jesus. Amen.