Daniel -- A Man of Character
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Decrees in the Medo-Persian Empire could not be revoked. Once they were made they were final, which meant if Daniel kept praying to God, he would be fodder for the lion’s den.
But what did Daniel do?
Think about the possibilities.
He could have run and hidden out somewhere.
He could have backtracked and tried to cut a deal with his adversaries.
As a last ditch effort, he could have begged the king to save his life.
He did none of these things. Here’s how he responded:
“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. “(emphasis mine, Daniel 6:10)
Daniel kept doing what he always did. He prayed to God openly, and he wasn’t afraid or ashamed.
Faith literally became a life and death matter for Daniel. I wonder how he felt. Was he afraid? Did God let Daniel know that he would be safe or did He remain silent?
Whatever was said or not said, Daniel didn’t act according to feelings. He acted on the fact that he knew the God he served was Faithful. As a result Daniel was faithful to God, putting his trust in Him. And God delivered Daniel, miraculously shutting the mouths of the lions and allowing Daniel to emerge unharmed:
“Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’
Then Daniel said to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.’
Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.” (Daniel 6:19-23)
