God’s Lion Tamer

 

 

After a beautiful wedding in Boone, North Carolina, my younger son had his mid-June wedding reception at the Student Center of Appalachian State University. The car he and his bride were going to drive away was on the sidewalk in front of the Center, “lovingly decorated” by my son’s friends and in-laws. Following the usual tossing of rice at the newly married couple, they drove down the sidewalk until they could reach a spot where they could get on the road. All of us laughed when we saw my son use his turn signal to turn from one sidewalk onto another.

Just as using a turn signal on a sidewalk was a small act of doing right, Daniel’s faithfulness in public prayer showed the same heart in a much higher-stakes moment.

Let’s start with a quick summary of the story from Daniel 6:1-28.

Daniel – God’s Lion Tamer

Daniel was one of several young Jewish noblemen taken by the Babylonians when they conquered the nation of Judah. These men were to be trained in the Babylonian language and literature for three years, and then they would enter the service of King Nebuchadnezzar.

Daniel rose to a prominent position under Nebuchadnezzar and his successor, King Belshazzar.

When the Medes and Persians captured Babylon, Daniel became a trusted advisor of King Darius.

Jealous fellow leaders recognized Daniel’s ascension to power, likely taking great offense that Daniel was not a Babylonian.

They convinced King Darius to issue a decree that no one could pray to any god or man except the king for 30 days.

Knowing the law but remaining faithful, Daniel continued to pray to God three times a day in front of an open window visible to all below. He did not hide his faith.

As a result, he was arrested and thrown into a den of lions. God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths, and Daniel was unharmed.

The next morning, King Darius was overjoyed to find Daniel alive. His accusers were thrown into the den instead, where they were killed. Darius then issued a decree honoring the God of Daniel.

What Does This Story Teach Us About God?

First, God is sovereign over His creation. King Darius had a plan. That didn’t matter to God.

Second, God protects and delivers those who are faithful to Him. Being a faithful Christian isn’t a “Get Out of Jail” card, though. Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den with no promise from God that he would rescue Daniel. Throughout history, many believers have faced trials without earthly deliverance – but their hope was anchored in eternity.

Finally, God is worthy of worship, even in the face of opposition. Living out your faith is hard.

Where Do You See Yourself In This Story?

What does Daniel’s praying in front of an open window look like today? Perhaps it is visibly praying as a family while eating out, or responding with kindness in a hostile situation. Daniel’s life shows us that even quiet faithfulness can shine brightly.

Every quiet choice for integrity is noticed by God and others. Daniel’s opponents could find no corruption in him (Daniel 6:4).   Daniel firmly drew a line to stand firm when the Babylonian culture clashed with God’s commands (Daniel 1:8).

When opposition comes, rely on the Holy Spirit for the strength and peace to endure. Be obedient, not because God will snatch us out of a lion’s den, but because we were created to reflect His image to an unholy world.

 

Hopefully, we will never face a den of lions. But we each face moments when courage is required. Daniel’s story reminds us that God is bigger than fear, stronger than our opposition, and faithful to walk beside us. That truth gives us the strength to live with integrity and joy today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us turn to You to remain strong in our faith and live a life above reproach, to draw non-believers to You. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

 

Images were generated by ChatGPT.