JUNE 12, 2024
Topic: DANIEL’S DELIVERANCE
Text: DANIEL 6:16-23
Memory Verse: “My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king I have done no wrong” – Daniel 6:22.
Daniel was a young man, from a noble family. He was carried into captivity by the Babylonian invaders, during the reign of King Jehoiakim, King of Judah. He was “instructed in the wisdom of the Chaldeans and remained in Babylon until the third year of King Cyrus”.
King Darius, the Mede divided the kingdom of Babylon into one hundred and twenty satrapies, superintended by three higher officials, of whom Daniel was one. This caused the jealousy of his colleagues, who plotted against him. They persuaded the king to make a decree that nobody should ask for anything for thirty days, either from God or man, except from the king. Whoever contravened the decree would be thrown into the lions’ den.
Daniel had to make a decision. He decided to observe his prayer routine, despite the king’s decree. He found himself in the lions’ den despite the king’s decree. He found himself in the lions’ den despite the soft spot King Darius had for him. The king could do nothing because the decree had been sealed and dusted. Daniel never argued nor protested. He accepted everything calmly, believing that either way, God would be glorified. “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength”, says Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 30:15). God was his total existence. King Darius, out of love and concern went early the following morning to find out what could have happened to Daniel. Daniel’s answer is our memory verse for today. He was saved from the lions and his accusers were thrown into the den of lions, where they were eaten up.
Brethren, our redemption in Christ has secured our lives from the second death, which is our victory over death. Jesus is the one who decides our fate in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. Death cannot terrorize us again, after it, comes the resurrection that will usher us into God’s presence.
PRAYER: My Lord and my Father, I know that behind any frowning providence, you hide a smiling face. Grant me your grace to abide in you whether in life or in dying in Jesus’ name. Amen.