Intro.
A. The great stories of the Bible never grow old. They still thrill the hearts of all who hear them. In this lesson we want to consider one such story: Daniel in the lions' den.
B. Although a captive and serving under several different rulers, some of whom were antagonistic toward each other, Daniel was always faithful and commanded the respect of all the emperors.
Verse 1-3
A new regime recognized Daniel's God-given qualities.
Satraps: provincial governors. Suffer no loss: Through rebellion or financial corruption--so that all the revenues which were due the king would be fully accounted for.
Daniel was working with those who did not believe in God. Thus, he attracted the attention of the pagan king and earned a place of respect. One of the best ways to influence non-Christian employers is to work diligently and responsibly.
Proverbs 22:29; Rom 12:11 - "diligent" describes a person who is "quick, prompt, ready, skilled."
Verse 4-5
Aroused by envy, the satraps and other presidents set about to destroy Daniel. (Prov. 27:4) A marvelous commendation--Daniel performed his official duties blamelessly without error or fault. Would that our enemies could say the same about all of God's people.
Daniel made enemies at work by doing a good job. Perhaps you have had a similar experience. When you begin to excel, you will find that coworkers may look for ways to hold you back and tear you down. How should you deal with those who would cheer at your downfall and even try to hasten it? Conduct your whole life above reproach. Then you will have nothing to hide, and your enemies will have a difficult time finding legitimate charges against you. Of course, this will not always save you from attacks, and like Daniel, you will have to rely on God for protection.
The jealous officials couldn't find anything about Daniel's life to criticize, so they attacked his religion. If you face jealous critics because of your faith, be glad they're criticizing that part of your life - perhaps they had to focus on your religion as a last resort. They are no longer opposing you, but they are also opposing God. Respond by continuing to believe and live as you should.
Verses 6-9
Darius was an effective government administrator, but he had a fatal flaw - pride. By appealing to his vanity, the men talked Darius into signing a law effectively making himself a god for 30 days. He considered the drafting of the statute as an honor to him, preferred by his presidents, princes, and counselors, not realizing the grief and heartache it would bring to him.
These evil rulers said, "All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to..." This is an old trick that is used even today in politics. For example, "The American people won't stand for this; the American people want to know the facts." Also, this same tactic has often been used in the church. "The whole church feels this way" sometimes means only three or four.
Verses 10
God's people, during the O.T. times, were taught to pray with their faces toward the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:44-50; Psalm 121:1,2).
One of Scripture's outstanding examples of courageous obedience is now presented. When a purely human ordinance was intended to regulate his relationship with his heavenly Father, Daniel resolved to keep his conscience clear by continuing to do that which he believed to be right. He refused to compromise his convictions.
Such trials as Daniel endured often come upon faithful Christians. We will find ourselves in opposition to the opinions of the majority. If we silence the voice of conscience, we demonstrate our unworthiness. Unless one's life is governed by principle, rather than by a desire please the opposition, one is in grave danger of yielding to sin in this respect. Daniel had served God to long for such a thing to happen to him.
Daniel had a disciplined prayer life. Our prayers are usually interrupted, not by threats but simply by the pressure of our schedules. We shouldn't let threats or pressures cut into our prayer time. Let us pray regularly, no matter what, for prayer is our lifeline to God.
Verses 11-14
The king realized that he himself had been trapped by men who were trying to destroy his most trusted servant. He recognized their trick and his own folly, and he was greatly displeased with himself.
The accusers had hoped, of course, that the king would be angry against Daniel for defying his decree; but Darius knew Daniel too well for this. It was not for nothing that he had thought to elevate Daniel, and his reaction, therefore, was to the detriment of these men, not of Daniel.
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