DCLM Higher Everyday 18 October 2023 — Daniel in the den
Topic: Daniel in the den
Text: Daniel 6:16-24
17And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
18Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
19Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
20And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
21Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
22My 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.
23Then was the king exceeding 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 manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
24And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
Key Verse: “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” (Daniel 6:22).
Message
Josh Stern advises that, “When you enter the Lions’ Den, it’s best not to go empty-handed or you’ll probably leave that way.” Daniel did not enter the lions’ den empty-handed; he was victorious because he went with Christ. The story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den tells of how the biblical legend was saved from lions by the God of Israel because his life was blameless. It equally complements the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to compromise their stand in Christ by obeying men. Their laudable attitude earned them divine deliverance and obliged the king to confess the greatness of God.
Are you stuck in a pit of despair that leaves you feeling frustrated, scared, and broken in life, sometimes making you lose faith in God? Remember that God can turn your biggest setbacks into huge successes. The Lord is capable of permanently closing the mouths of your lions and granting you victory. Your life may be riddled with lions of anxiety, fear and worry, but keep faith in God, pray and plan: your victory is near.
Quote: Pray and plan: your victory is near
Challenge: How do you face your life’s difficulties?
Prayer for today: Gracious God, deliver me from every lion!
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
