Week 10 (The Prophets) – Day 3: Daniel in the Lion Den

Day 48 – Daniel in the Lion Den – Daniel 6:1-28

Daniel is an interesting book because it is two different books.  The first six chapters tell six different court stories regarding Daniel, a Jew who was an advisor to the last Babylonian king, as well as to the Persians who conquered Babylon.  The Persians had a favorable attitude toward the exiled Jews and assisted their return to Jerusalem.  The temple and wall were rebuilt over the next decades (This story is told in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, both skipped over in our 100 readings.)  The last half of the book is an form of literature called an apocalypse.  We’ll discuss this genre when we look at the Book of Revelation in the last week of readings.

The story of Daniel in the lion’s den is often told to children.  I think reading this story as an adult has even deeper meaning, because we have lived a few more years and experienced life and its ups and downs.  For example, how often are we crushed by unfair events?  In this story we see Daniel set up.  He did nothing wrong, other than be a great worker.  But his co-workers conspired to have him removed.  And the plot seemingly worked.  How have you dealt with unfair circumstances in life? 

Secondly, note that Daniel, due to his love for God, willingly walks into the snare.  Can have the trust in God to do the same?  I think about the encroaching time of our culture for sports, work, and other things which seems to not even leave Sunday morning free anymore.  I think legislating behavior is a failing proposition.  But what if Christians, like Daniel really stood up for something as basic as keeping worship times free of other distractions?  

Finally, Daniel is a great example of vocation.  Not all are called to formal positions of ministry.  But we all have calls.  We are given opportunities to share our love of God, wherever we are placed.  What may be an opportunity for you?

In Christ,

Randy