10/14 Daniel 6:16

¹⁶ Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!"

The king of the next empire Daniel served was Darius. He gave Daniel the position of chief adviser. Darius must have heard of Daniel's wisdom and service to the Babylonian kings. His testimony preceded him. He was known to be a Hebrew who faithfully served his God. Darius was different from other kings in that he encouraged people to worship their native gods and asked for them to pray to their particular god for his success and wellbeing.

The other political leaders were jealous of Daniel. They couldn't find anything to accuse him of, so they decided to attack him on religious grounds. Sound familiar? It has been the same throughout history. When God raises up faithful political servants who only desire to do God's will, they will persecuted by those lusting for power. These politicians conned the king into making a decree that no one could ask anything of any god except the king for thirty days. Any violator would be thrown into a pit of lions. They knew Daniel would never stop praying. It was a daily part of his life.

They caught Daniel praying and had the king enforce the decree. The king realized he had been duped. Our verse today includes the king's plea for Daniel to be delivered by the God Daniel served. Daniel had a powerful testimony of faithfulness that everyone was aware of. God did deliver him from the lions. His accusers were thrown to the lions. The king decreed that all should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. God can preserve His own and turn the tables on those who plot against us if we will trust Him and remain faithful. Even if we are devoured, we are a testimony of faithfulness and obedience that condemns the ungodly world.

Consider: Daniel's testimony was known by all because of his faithful consistency, integrity, and use of the gifts God had given him. May we follow his great example!