Preparing For the Lion's Den
Dan 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
It becomes apparent from the beginning of the book of Daniel that his life was unique. He was not the ordinary Christian, having an ordinary experience, with an ordinary God. Daniel's life had purpose! That purpose did not spring forth as the result of his latest visit to a motivational seminar or the motivational tapes he had just finished listening to. No! He purposed in his heart. This was not, superficial, good intention but a driving force that shaped his life style. Unlike the life style of many "Modern Day Christians" Daniel's relationship with God shaped his lifestyle. Today, our lifestyles often shape our relationship with God. In some very sad cases they even shape our god. Grandpa would have said, "Hold on there a minute son! You've got the cart before the horse." or more simply put your taking things out of order.
Furthermore the shaping of Daniel's faith did not take place based solely upon external forces or influences. Absolutely not! Daniel and God had a special meeting place. A place where only they could go. A place to evaluate, examine and discuss the things happening in Daniel's life, internal and external. A place of fellowship and worship. A sacred place. It was Daniel's heart. It was here that God revealed His will for Daniel's life. It was here God inspired and empowered Daniel to live out His will. It was here Daniel experienced and responded to God's love.
Dan 1:12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
Daniel rejected worldly pleasure in lieu of spiritual intimacy. He cast aside the pleasures that the King would have afforded him, the king's meat and wine. He would not defile himself with worldly pleasures such as these. Even though they seem trite to us. No, Daniel had committed himself to an intimate relationship with God and he would not jeopardize that at any cost. On the contrary he chose the simple salad bar over the buffet. Basics, not complicated exotic food. Pure and simple. There is something to be said about simplicity in our lives and in our faith. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Cor 11:3 "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
It’s so easy to get caught up in the pleasures of the world. Just a little of the good life. "Oh, come on it won’t hurt anything." Or will it? The focus of Daniel’s life was his relationship with God. He would not jeopardize that to experience the pleasure of sin for a season. When the fleshly desires are brought into subjection the spirit is strengthened. Daniel was preparing for the lion’s den. Not because he knew he was going there but because he was drawing closer to God through his daily walk. The result of that walk was spiritual strength and increased faith.
Dan 2:19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.
The reality of Daniel's intimacy with God was revealed on more than one occasion as God granted him revelation concerning the dreams of others. It was this obvious supernatural power, being manifested through a man, that made the king and others take notice that Daniel was no ordinary person and that his God was no ordinary God. In reality they were so impressed that in their ignorance they believed that Daniel had more than one God but many gods.
Dan 6:3-5
3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
The intimacy of Daniel's walk with the LORD as revealed in his life, stood as a testimony to those around him. First we see it brought him favor with the King. Second it caught the attention of the presidents and princes that knew him. It so infuriated them that they sought occasion against him. However, in their efforts to catch him in error they were fruitless. They concluded the only way to get to Daniel would be through his faith in God. It was his faithfulness they used to snare him or so they thought.
Dan 6:10-11
10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
The real acid test of Daniel’s faith came in the face of certain persecution. Here is where God proved his heart. Was he willing to suffer for his Lord? The answer a resounding, "Yes!" It would have been much easier to deny God and capitulate to the will of man. Knowing he would be punished for his prayer time he did not hide in a closet and pray timidly. Instead he went to his house, left the windows open and prayed where all could see and hear. His prayer was not one of avoidance, asking God to deliver him from his persecutors, instead he gave thanks and then made supplication before God. Supplication implies asking for God’s favor. It is important to realize that oftimes God’s concept of favor is nowhere near to our concept of favor. I am sure with most Christians their idea of God’s favor would be to insure their escape from the prevailing persecution. As we well know that this was not God’s plan for Daniel. Instead of helping him avoid the situation it appears God compounded Daniel’s problems.
Da.6:16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
The king declares Daniel’s loyalty to the LORD. "…whom thou servest continually," Even more the king had observed the Lord's hand was upon Daniel’s life. He knew that Daniel served a God that was not limited in His power or His mercy. What do you suppose Daniel’s focus was at that critical moment? Was it the king and his words of encouragement? Was it the hungry lions that surrounded him? I am sure he was aware of both but I believe his focus was upon God. Because he had so cultivated his relationship with the Lord and that relationship was the foundation of his life his reaction to the circumstances would be to look to the Lord. Ps 121:1 "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help."
Daniel 6:21-22
21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever.
22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
We all know the outcome, Daniel survived the lions den, not
because
of his physical strength, or intellectual prowess but because he
maintained
a daily intimate relationship with his Heavenly Father. When the lions
loomed great on the horizon Daniel’s God loomed even greater. How about
you are you ready for the Lions Den? How big is your God? Persecution
is
coming upon the Church are you ready? Will you be found faithful to the
end?