There is a lesson here...
Darius reorganized his kingdom. He appointed one hundred twenty governors to administer all the parts of his realm. Over them were three vice-regents, one of whom was Daniel. The governors reported to the vice-regents, who made sure that everything was in order for the king. Daniel, brimming with spirit and intelligence, so completely outclassed the other vice-regents and governors that the king decided to put him in charge of the whole kingdom.
The vice-regents and governors were jealous and got together to find
something in Daniel’s life that they could use against him,
but they couldn’t dig up anything. He was totally exemplary and trustworthy.
They could find no evidence of negligence or misconduct. So they finally gave
up and said, “We’re never going to find anything against this Daniel unless we
can cook up something religious.” They conspired together and then went to the king and
said, “King Darius, we’ve convened your vice-regents, governors,
and all your leading officials, and have agreed that the king should issue the
following decree: For the next thirty days no one is to pray to any
god or mortal except you, O king. Anyone who disobeys will be thrown into the
lions’ den.
King Darius signed the decree.
The conspirators found Daniel praying, asking
God for help. They went straight to the king and reminded him of the royal
decree that he had signed. Then they said, “Daniel, one of the Jewish exiles,
ignores you, O king, and defies your decree. Three times a day he prays.” The king caved in and ordered Daniel brought and
thrown into the lions’ den. But he said to Daniel, “Your God, to whom you are
so loyal, is going to get you out of this.” The king then went back to his palace. He refused
supper. He couldn’t sleep. He spent the night fasting.
At daybreak the king got up and hurried to the
lions’ den. As he approached the den, he called out anxiously, “Daniel, servant
of the living God, has your God, whom you serve so loyally, saved you from the
lions?” Daniel said “My God sent
his angel, who closed the mouths of the lions so that they would not hurt me.
I’ve been found innocent before God and also before you, O king. I’ve done
nothing to harm you.”
When the king heard these words he
ordered Daniel taken up out of the den and commanded that the conspirators who
had informed on Daniel be thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives
and children.
Human nature hasn't changed. Its no worse today than its been over the centuries but...that doesn't make it OK. The Lion's Den ought to be a good reminder for unscrupulous men and women who malign others for personal gain. They will pay for their evil deeds.
As people of faith, we are reminded how important it is to remain faithful to God, regardless of the possible consequences. We are also reminded...evil has no power to triumph over us.
As long as we're found innocent...
Live boldly out there today...
No comments:
Post a Comment