By this time Daniel and the people were being ruled by King Darius and it is thought he was part of the invading armies that took over Babylon.

Like the story of Daniel’s friends in chapter 3 who would not bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s statue, Daniel was reported to Darius by corrupt officials who did not like the fact that Daniel was held in high esteem by the King. They convinced Darius to pass a law condemning to death anyone who worshipped someone other than himself knowing full well that Daniel worshipped his own God. Darius could not reverse his decree and so had to put Daniel in the den of lions, but as he says in v.16 “May your God rescue you” because he knew Daniel was a good man. So Daniel spent a peaceful night praying with the lions whereas Darius could not eat or sleep because of what he had done and because he worried for Daniel. As we know,  God protected Daniel and he survived.

The world we live in can often be as it was back in Daniel's time, if others see us standing out in our faith do they target us and chip away at it and try to make us stumble? We are called to be lights in the world, but it is not always easy to do this. The world can sometimes turn its back on us, but we need to remain focused on God no matter what is distracting us and know that God will always reward us in heaven for those of us who have faith in him.

Here is a quote by Corrie Ten Boon - “There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still.” That I find so reassuring in describing God’s love for us all.

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Questions:

How would we react if prayer became a criminal offence? If our faith is mocked or challenged, do we respond like Daniel?

Prayer:

Turn to Psalm 91 and pray over vs. 1-2, 10-12 & 13-14