It seems as though these leaders, under the authority of King Darius wanted so much to frame poor Daniel. Under the guidance of administrators and satraps, the King issued a decree stating that anyone who prays to any god or human, except to the King in the next 30 days will be thrown into the lion's den. King Darius put this decree in writing and that's when Daniel showed these leaders he would not be intimidated.
Daniel showed these leaders he would not compromise the most important thing in his life. His communication with God and his prayer life. The bible says he prayed 3 times a day in his room with his windows open. The same men who urged King Darius to issue the decree about prayer found Daniel praying and, as you would expect, they ratted on Daniel. "King Darius, did you not issue a decree stating no one could pray to their God but only to you?' King Darius answered, "Yes, that decree stands in accordance with the law." They told King Darius, "Daniel prays 3 times a day. He pays no attention to you." As you read this passage you can see how the king was being told what to do but also the heart the king had for Daniel. We then read how the king wanted to rescue Daniel and save him!
The administrators and satraps were at it again telling the king he could NOT change his decree whatsoever. I'm sure reluctantly, the king gave his orders to have Daniel thrown into the lion's den. Before they were to place the stone over the mouth of the lion's den after Daniel was thrown in, the king looks down at Daniel who was surrounded by hungry lion's and says, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you." They placed a stone over the mouth the lion's den. The only ones in that lion's den were hungry lions and Daniel. The king went to his palace, and the bible tells us he could not eat or sleep and he also was not in the mood for any entertainment whatsoever.
As morning approached, King Darius got up and hurried over to the lion's den and called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel! servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?" Daniel answered, "May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I done anything wrong before you, your majesty." Daniel was then lifted out of the lion's den. He had no wounds because he trusted God. The king ordered that all those who falsely accused Daniel, along with their wives and children be thrown into the lion's den. When they were all thrown in, unfortunately for them they were all devoured by the hungry lions. King Darius then issued a new decree that everyone must fear and revere the God of Daniel. It was obvious that God was working on the heart of King Darius.
What always intrigued me about this story is two things. The first thing is the fact that after Daniel is thrown into the lion's den, the king looks down at Daniel and says, "May your God rescue you," I don't know about you, but if I threw a guy into a lion's den, I would not expect that once he hit that dirt floor that he wouldn't be devoured by hungry lions. Lions are known to be vicious animals who attack. Especially some guy all by himself. My theory has always been that the king knew in his heart that there was something special about Daniel. I don't think he really wanted to issue any decree about no one praying to their god. I believe he was very impressed with Daniel's life. But, of course, he had pressure from his peers, and we all know peer pressure is everywhere, even during bible times!
The second thing that intrigued me was at the end of this story. The king can't eat or sleep. He wants no one to entertain him. This whole situation was troubling his heart. I'm sure he laid awake at night and was tossing and turning in his royal bed worried and troubled. This part of the story always gets me. After waking up, he runs to the lion's den calling to Daniel. Not for nothing, but I would assume Daniel was eaten by the lions and devoured after being in there all night. I would not think if it were me that I should be calling an assumed dead man saying, and I paraphrase "Is everything okay down there? Are you still there? Were you saved?" I also would not expect an answer from anyone who spent an entire night and beyond in a lion's den. However, I believe the king knew in his heart that the God Daniel serves is an amazing God who cares for his children. Even during a trying and difficult time, God demonstrated his loving and caring hand over Daniel. Daniel left that lion's den with absolutely no wounds, scratches or injuries. What an amazing testimony of God at work!
This story teaches us the importance of prayer, but also the importance of not being ashamed of living the Christian life while we are being harassed and persecuted. It also teaches us about God's hand of protection over us during challenging times. Being thrown into a lion's den, of course, is extreme and not something we would face today. But in our own lives, we face impossible situations whether it is financial of physical. In the end, God always makes a way for us. Lastly, it teaches us to keep going no matter what situation we face. It's not the end of the world! God has a plan for us so we can never stop "running the race" that is set before us.
So, my challenge to you all is simple. Live the life! Live for God! Don't let anyone harass you or put you down. You have the greater one inside of you! Don't ever stop praying to him. He always has an answer for us and he wants what's best for His children! We might feel like, at times, that the situation we face is similar to being thrown into a lion's den. Romans 8:28 tells us "All things work together for the good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. King Darius knew what was up. God proved to him he is in control!
HAVE A BLESSED DAY EVERYONE!
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