Scripture

He was given authority, honour and sovereignty over all the nations of the world so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal – it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.

Observation

The story now winds back to King Belshazzar’s reign in Babylon, as Daniel recounts a vision he had then.

In the vision, He sees four beasts coming from the churning ocean.

The first Beast is like a lion with eagles’ wings, but its wings are pulled off and it becomes like a human. The second beast looks like a bear. The third is like a leopard. The fourth beast has huge metal teeth.

Finally, thrones are put into place and the Ancient One sits down to judge the nations. Then someone like a son of man comes on the clouds. He is given authority and honour to rule over all the nations of the world. His rule is eternal and his kingdom will never end.

Application

These four beasts represent various human Empires – Babylon. Persia. Greece, and Rome. God has judged all of these kingdoms as evil and barbaric. In place of these beasts, He has established a truly human kingdom that rules over the people of every race, nation, and language.

That King is, of course Jesus. His Kingdom is not based on violence and oppression, but on love. It is true that His Kingdom has reached just about every nation and every people group in the world.

This is so encouraging! When we look at the turmoil in the Middle East or in Ukraine, or the internal turmoil in the nations of the West, we can become fearful. But Jesus’ Kingdom is above all these things. He has authority that is greater. The nations of the world will pass away, but Christ’s kingdom is eternal.

Prayer

Lord, you are greater than any human ruler or kingdom. I praise you, Lord Jesus Christ, and I surrender my life to you. Amen.

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.

Scripture

“That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day.”

Observation

King Darius decides to divide his empire into 120 provinces and he appoints a high officer to rule over each one. To rule over these officers and to protect the king’s interests, he appoints Daniel and two others. Because Daniel rules with great ability, King Darius, plans to place him over the entire empire.

The high officers and other administrators concoct a plan. They go to the king and ask him to sign a law that for the next 30 days, nobody is to pray to anyone other than the king under penalty of being thrown to the lions.

Daniel, however, continues his practice of praying in front of his windows in an upstairs room. The officials then go to the king with the accusation that Daniel has broken the law.

Application

Jealousy is a terrible sin. It is a form of coveting in that we think we should be entitled to get the same treatment as another person. The officials were jealous of Daniel because of his favour with the king, and so they plotted to get rid of him unjustly.

People can be jealous of all kinds of things- money, careers, a promotion at work, a spouse of a friend, a family, and much more.

When we see somebody with a lifestyle, or a thing that we wish we could have, do we rejoice that they are blessed? Or do we get angry that we don’t have it ourselves?

Being jealous of others, can release all kinds of negative spiritual power. It can result in soulish prayers or curses giving satan authority to harm the person we are jealous of.

It should go without saying that jealousy should have no part in any Christian’s life.

Prayer

Lord, examine my heart and see if there is any jealousy or envy in my heart. Amen.