Jason, Jason
I have prayed for you
Pastor Mahendra
Daniel and the Lion’s Den - II
God honours faith!
(Dan 6:22) “My God knew that I was innocent, and he sent an angel to keep the lions from eating me. Your Majesty, I have never done anything to hurt you."
This morning we continue our series on the ‘Greatest Stories Ever Told’ with the second part of the story of Daniel and the lion’s den. Yesterday we left off with king Darius signing the decree that no one in his kingdom could worship any other human, nor god for 30 days and how this was an irreversible decree. When Daniel found out about this he went into his house, kneeled towards Jerusalem, prayed and praised God; just like he had done before (three times a day). He would not compromise his faith, even under the threat of death. His accusers were watching him and as soon as he prayed to his God, they rushed to tell the king. They said to the king, "Didn't you make a law that forbids anyone to pray to any god or human except you for the next thirty days? And doesn't the law say that everyone who disobeys it will be thrown into the den of lions?" "Yes, that's the law I made," the king agreed. Then the men said, "That Jew named Daniel, who was brought here as a captive, refuses to obey you or the law and he still prays to his God three times a day." The king was very upset when he heard about this, because Daniel was very close to him and second in command. He spent all day thinking about how to save him, but he realized that he could not change the law. So Darius ordered Daniel to be thrown into the lion’s den, but he did say to Daniel, "You have been faithful to your God, and I pray that He will rescue you." They then rolled a stone in front of the lion’s den and the king stamped a seal on it to ensure that no one could let Daniel out. The king could not eat nor sleep that night and would not talk to anyone. At daybreak the king got up and ran to the den. He shouted, "Daniel, you were faithful and served your God. Was he able to save you from the lions?" Daniel answered, "Your Majesty, live forever!†The king was relieved to hear Daniel's voice, and he gave orders for him to be taken out of the den. Daniel's faith in his God had kept him from danger. Then the king ordered the men who had brought charges against Daniel to be thrown into the den, together with their wives and children; but before they even reached the bottom, the lions ripped them to pieces.
So what does this mean to you today? Let’s seek to glean a few golden nuggets:
1. No weapon formed against us shall prosper (Is 54:17). The men accused Daniel and many will accuse us. Satan is the accuser of the brethren (Rev 12:10), but every attack (accusation, slander, insult, scheme, etc.) is cut off by the power of the protection of God. The weapon may be formed against you, but it will not prosper.
2. God honours faith. Daniel understood the decree, but he would not let any worldly document keep him from praying to His God. He stood – by faith – and kept his prayer routine; even with the possible penalty of death. God honoured His faith and He will honour ours as well.
3.Leave vengeance to God: Deuteronomy 32:35 says, “I'm in charge of vengeance and payback, just waiting for them to slip up; and the day of their doom is just around the corner, sudden and swift and sure.†God handled Daniel’s accusers and He will handle ours. It is not our place to go after them, but rather to pray for them and leave them in the hands of God.
Confession for this day: Lord God. I operate in faith in every area of my life. I was saved through faith (Eph 2:8,9). I live by faith (Hab 2:4, Ro 1:17). I walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7). I stand by faith (2 Cor 1:24). I pray the prayer of faith (Jas 5:15). I fight by faith (1 Tim 6:12). I am the righteousness of God by faith (Ro 3:22). And I overcome the world by faith (1 Jn 5:4). You honour my faith and keep me from every attack and accusation. Your protection is greater than my attackers. My life is in Your hands – by faith! I receive a blessed and prosperous day – by faith!
In Jesus’ name.
Amen!
