The account of Daniel in the lions’ den is chapter six in the book of his namesake. It tells of how Daniel is saved from lions by the God of Israel after being thrown into the den by order of the king. What a terrible punishment for not agreeing with a government leader’s edict. Daniel was a big deal in the organization. He distinguished himself and the king was planning to put him over the entire kingdom. A lot of good that did him. “Some men” put their jealousy to work to foil the promotion and convinced the king to sign a document that anyone worshipping an entity, other than the king, in the next 30 days would be put in the lion’s den. With knowledge of the document Daniel continued to worship the God of Israel. When word came to the king he regretted what he had done. Daniel was sealed into the den and the king spent a sleepless night fasting. At dawn the king came to the den and said, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Then Daniel spoke, “Oh king, live forever” (that must have been a usual greeting because we know it is not true meaning) Daniel respectfully answered. God had sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths. After Daniel was lifted from the den the men who had plotted Daniel’s demise and their families did not survive the den. King Darius then made this proclamation, “Men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion will be forever. He delivered and rescues and performs signs and wonders In heaven and on earth…”.
The reason for this telling is that, in visiting with a friend, we swapped stories of challenges. Mine were small last week but a broken tooth and struggling car I would call a two-lion week. There is a plan in place. Her account had many more lions (challenges) but we agreed that God is sovereign. It doesn’t matter how many lions come at us if His angel is going to help us out. If you have a hundred lion week we only need one God who loves us and wants the best for us. The account mentions plural but we don’t know how outnumbered Daniel was because lion’s cannot outnumber His angel. Probably one lion would have finished him off had His angel not protected Daniel. Please do not misunderstand me. I am not diminishing your pain and struggle today but Daniel’s deliverance was God’s plan and so he was delivered. Do fast and pray. See the doctor. Believe God is still in charge.
