A Bold Stand!

Read and reflect on Daniel chapter 6.

Daniel is now serving under his third ruler, King Darius the Mede. King Darius was so impressed with Daniel’s administration over the government that he planned on making Daniel second in command of him. Here comes cutthroat jealousy and politics. The other administrators and government officials were enraged with jealousy. They contrived a plan to get rid of Daniel once and for all. They manipulated the king through sweet words to make a decree that for a period of 30 days everyone in the kingdom should pray to Darius. This was a great appeal to the king’s arrogance and unbelievable power over the known world.

Darius made the order and anyone not obeying would be thrown into the lion’s den. The other officials were hoping Daniel would make a misstep and not obey the order. Daniel made a bold stand this time around and went about his normal prayer routine to God, not praying to Darius. Daniel got turned in by the jealous officials and Darius had to throw him in the lion’s den.

Darius fasted and fretted that whole night. He ran to check on Daniel at first light. Daniel had an excellent night in the company of God’s angel who had shut the mouths of the lions. Darius was overjoyed! He brought Daniel up and tossed in all of Daniel’s accusers and their families to be eaten by the lions.

Darius wrote a decree that the whole realm should fear and reverence Daniel’s God because he was the living God! Will your stand for God be quiet or bold? God doesn’t leave or forsake his people (Deuteronomy 31:6). God will be with your stand whether quiet or bold. Dare to be a Daniel, you might affect a whole realm of people to be drawn to the living God!

Blessings,

Ellen