Daniel 6

ScriptureDaniel 6:20-23²⁰ When he came near the den, he 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?”²¹ Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! ²² 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 ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”²³ The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.Observation                                       So much great stuff in this chapter. :)Daniel was kind of a rockstar. He had “so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom” (v3). This created haters – people that were jealous, people that wanted his position, people that wanted to see him fail!  In fact, they wanted to see him fail so much that they created a way for him to do so in the only way they could – by making it illegal for him to serve God.  They tricked the king, he signed a decree and Daniel continued to serve his God, landing him in the lion’s den.  But even the king wanted to see Daniel survive and put his trust and hope in God in the waiting.   UnderstandingWhile it is not stated in this chapter, it seems to me the reason Daniel had “so distinguished himself” among the 120 satraps and 3 administrators is because his lifestyle was centered around God.  As Christians, we are called to do EVERYTHING as unto the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. – Colossians 3:23-24Based on everything we see about Daniel throughout this chapter, I believe he lived this out wholeheartedly.  And even when they created a decree to try to stop him, he continued to set himself apart, to worship and seek God openly – asking for help.  And it was all to God’s glory. Darius had intended to set Daniel “over the whole kingdom” (v3).  Perhaps he did know and understand WHY Daniel was different (I’m assuming not since he ultimately agreed to put the decree in place) but he did know that he liked what Daniel, his work ethic, what he stood for, how he presented himself…and he had enough faith and trust in him to set the intention of giving him leadership over his whole kingdom.  I think this is an example to us.  Although we should never be ashamed of our God, we don’t necessarily have to go into every situations proclaiming God with our words.  As we work unto the Lord, though, we show in our consistent and daily actions that we are trustworthy, operate with integrity, respect authority, treat others with kindness, etc.  And, as we do so, there will be opportunities to share our faith…perhaps not in a den full of lions (although I’ve been in some meetings that felt a little like that!), but in conversations with our coworkers, our boss, a colleague at lunch.  Opportunities will arise for us to glorify God.And, as we glorify God, it gives rise to opportunities for hearts to be turned to Him – just as Darius’ was, which created a ripple effect for the entire kingdom.  This is the power and partnership that God has entrusted to us…if we are willing.Life ApplicationDear God, may I have faith and obedience like Daniel.  Obedience to serve you, even when it’s not convenient.  Faith that you will hold and protect me when I do.  May I seek you regularly, openly, devotedly.  May I set myself apart in a way that brings glory and honor to you and you alone.  As I go throughout my day, show me ways to better love you and to partner with you in ways that draw others’ hearts to seek, know and love you too.  In your name, Amen.To check out the discussion or to join in click here.- Rei