February 5, 2024

Daniel: Forward by Faith

Then this Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit, and the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom. Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. Then these men said, we will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God." …Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. Then they approached and spoke before the king about the king's injunction, did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions' den?" The king replied, the statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked." … Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions' den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you." … Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions' den. … Then Daniel spoke to the king, O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and toward you, O king, I have committed no crime." … The king then gave orders, and they brought those men who had maliciously accused Daniel, and cast them, their children and their wives into the lions' den; and they had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, … I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion will be forever. He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions." So this Daniel enjoyed success in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Daniel 6:1-28

While reading the book of Daniel, it’s good to keep the big picture in mind: This is a story about the man’s great trust. Daniel had clung to his faith so consistently that when he was cast into the lion’s den, the prospect did not ruin him.

The prophet’s faith began with his parents, who likely talked about the Scriptures and set a godly example. He also witnessed the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecies concerning the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon. Both factors undoubtedly reinforced the idea that God keeps His word, and Daniel was determined to obey Him.

Later, in Babylon, he courageously refused to eat the king’s food, which had been offered to idols and therefore violated Scripture (Exodus34:15). God shepherded Daniel through that situation and as well as many others where his position or his life was at risk. Letting go of doubts each time, the prophet steadfastly obeyed the Lord and endured.

Strong trust like Daniel’s doesn’t materialize out of thin air. Throughout life, he made small decisions in faith until his commitment to God’s way was habitual and unshakeable. The same is true for us—faith grows as we take more steps of obedience. We witness God’s answers to prayer and increasingly depend on Him until we have a personal history of His trustworthiness.

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