Can you imagine going through life, doing what you know to be right and true and then getting in trouble for it? And not just a slap on the hand kind of trouble. I’m talking the kind of trouble you don’t return from – death. And not just a quick and painless death but a particularly unpleasant one – being mauled and eaten by lions. Not a good way to go.
This is, of course, what was intended to happen to Daniel, loyal servant of God. However, the plan was thwarted in the most magnificent way.
For most of Daniel’s life, the hand of God was on him. He was blessed with position and rank in a land where his people where the captives. He gained great favor with King Darius (as well as others) and his opinion and leadership were valued. But, as can happen when power and authority are involved, jealousy arose from Daniel’s counterparts. They didn’t like him. They didn’t like that the king liked him. They wanted him gone so that they could have more power and influence with the king.
The plot thickens
So, here’s a quick recap of the nail-biting story (for the full version head over to Daniel chapter 6):
They (the bad guys) crafted out a plot to destroy Daniel by tricking the king into passing a law which would make it unlawful for anyone to pray to any “other god”. Of course, they knew the character of Daniel and that he’d never stop praying to his God. They were right. The trap was set, and Daniel (fully aware of what he was doing) walked right into it. He got caught and much to the dismay of the king, Daniel’s punishment was fixed. Death was inevitable.
Or was it?
The next morning King Darius quickly ran to the den to see if Daniel had survived the night. He called out to Daniel to see if the God Daniel served had rescued him. Much to his surprise, Daniel responded:
“My God has sent His angel and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me because I was found innocent in His sight.”
This is one of the most told stories from the Bible. It’s filled with power, jealously, treachery, scheming, and violence all wrapped up with a beautiful miracle. Who doesn’t love this story (besides the guys who plotted against Daniel and ended up as lion food themselves)? Oops!
Yes, this is a fabulous story that beautifully displays God’s saving grace bestowed on a righteous man committed to his loyalty and faith. But – if you can believe it – this story of Daniel may just be even bigger than that!!
I believe what happened to Daniel is a beautiful representation of the great plan of rescue God supplied for us as well.
Let’s look at a few comparisons. But first, let’s run over to 1 Peter 5:8. It says:
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
*Just like Daniel – we are in a den. This sinful world is that den and our enemy, the devil, is the roaring lion ready to pounce and devour.
*Just like Daniel was found innocent, we are also innocent through the blood of Christ.
*Just like God sent the angel to close the mouth of the lions for Daniel, God has sent His son to close the mouth of the devil. The lion has been defeated through the death of Jesus Christ.
Beautiful, isn’t it? I always, always love it when the passages of the Old Testament reveal the wonderful thread of truth, purpose and design laid out by the Master Author, connecting the Old with the New. The story of Daniel isn’t merely the accounting of one man’s miracle – the telling of it reflects a purpose and a plan. Purely divine!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Armor up! Spread Truth! Pray big!
Love conquers all!
His ways are above our ways. Good stuff. Thx for the message.
Hi friend! I found your blog through your Facebook post and really enjoyed it! Interesting insight!
Hi Heather. It’s so great to hear from you. I hope you and the family are having a blessed summer so far. Thanks for checking out the blog. I appreciate the comment.