Daniel 6:17-28 (NIV). [17] “A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. [18] Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep. [19] At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. [20] When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” [21] Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! [22] My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” [23] The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. [24] At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. [25] Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: “May you prosper greatly! [26] “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. [27] He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” [28] So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”
“The Impact of a Godly Influence” by In Touch Ministries:
“A life of surrender to God isn't always easy—but it's always blessed.”
“Daniel had the rare opportunity to influence four kings with godly principles. Remaining true to God often meant putting himself in danger, but he never once wavered in his convictions.
Complete confidence in God’s ability to protect and provide empowered Daniel to make bold decisions. He delivered bad news to rulers, even though such an act could have gotten him killed (Daniel 2:26-44; Daniel 5:17-28). What’s more, he challenged a law requiring him to violate God’s command to worship only Him (6:7-11).
Daniel wasn’t intent on being popular; he was committed to doing what was right in the Lord’s eyes. And when he had to face consequences for choosing the unpopular course of action, he did so with a calm and trusting spirit.
It is tempting to think that if we do what is right, we should be rewarded and protected. But sometimes doing the right thing will get us punished—like Daniel, who was cast into the lions’ den. How we respond is just as important as carrying out God’s will. Our reaction is being watched and evaluated by those in our sphere of influence, who want to see if we really believe our claim that the Lord is in control. God is using our experience and our witness to reach others for the kingdom.”
