July 10, 2024

King Darius set up his government with princes and presidents, including Daniel, who was one of the three presidents of which he was the head. Darius most loved Daniel because he was fair in his business dealings and could be trusted. However, even to this day, if someone prospers over others, they have those who want to see them fail. In Daniel’s case, the presidents and princes devised a plan to take him down. Knowing that he prays and petitions God three times a day, they went before Darius and proposed that he put a moratorium on petitioning anyone other than him for thirty days. They told him that all had consented to this new law that couldn’t be undone once sealed by the king. He agreed to it, and no sooner than it was signed into law, they found Daniel on his knees, faithful in prayer to God. They seized him and sent him to the lion’s den. Darius couldn’t help him even though he tried. King Darius couldn’t sleep and refused to be consoled by music. He prayed and fasted before God on behalf of Daniel. That following day, King Darius hurried to the den, hopeful God had saved him. Much to his relief, he found him alive and unharmed by the lions. Daniel told him an angel of God closed the mouths of the lions. Because of their treachery, the other princes and presidents were thrown into the den along with their wives and children. 

This story is full of lessons of prayer, fasting, and faith. Daniel humbly prayed three times a day on his knees. Darius prayed and fasted on behalf of Daniel. Both had faith that God would deliver him, and He did! However, the one lesson I took away from this story, above the others, is to remain faithful to your duty to God through Jesus without fear of suffering, even if your life depends on following unscrupulous laws. What good is your life if you deny God or you are found guilty of cowardice?

Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Daniel 6:21-22