Warriors Arise: March 30, 2021
Daniel 6:16-18 (NKJV) So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him.
I am so impressed with Darius. He and Daniel are not kinsmen. What reason does he have to get Daniel out of this mess that he so willingly walked into? Sure, he maybe felt some responsibility, because it was he who signed the decree; but Daniel also did his part. Daniel knew about the decree and didn't even try to hide the fact that he was still going to pray to his God.
Once Darius is confronted on his responsibility to judge Daniel for his "crime", he spends the day trying to find a law to undo his decree. To no avail, then he is forced to give the command for Daniel to be cast into the lion's den. Next he makes a proclamation, "Your God whom you serve continue, will deliver you." He reminds Daniel of his faithfulness to God; therefore, he declares God will be faithful to him. He has really gone out of his way to make things right, even though he must give the command for Daniel to be cast into the lion's den.
Darius didn't stop there. Something in his heart had faith stirring within him. He and Daniel were not lifelong friends. For some reason, Darius didn't want to surrender Daniel over to his fate. If there was any way to stop this, to turn it around, he would do his part. Don't you think he has done everything he can do?
His heart was still moved for Daniel. He didn't know Daniel's God, but he knew what people do when they are in mourning or pressing in for the miraculous. I find the history of this incident pretty amazing. We are not following Daniel's last 24 hours. We are following what a man who doesn't know God has done for a man of God. We know Daniel prayed three times a day, like he had always done.
Was Daniel praying while he was waiting to be thrown into the lion's den?
Was Daniel writing letters to go back to Jerusalem?
Was Daniel writing letters to the rest of the captives in Babylon?
Was Daniel asking God, "Why me?"
Was Daniel reminding God of all the things he had done?
Was Daniel regretting praying that day, even when he knew of the decree?
Think of all the things that run though your mind when you have taken a stand for the God and you wind up in the lion's den. What is your response in that situation? Daniel was human, yes, he believed he would be returning to Jerusalem when the 70 years of captivity were up. Even if his faith did not waver, he would have continued to declare the plans of God in his life. He would have kept at the forefront of his mind the promises of God through the prophet Jeremiah. He would have reminded himself of the miraculous things God had done in the past to save His people. Israel's backs against the Red Sea and God saves millions from Pharaoh's army. Maybe he was reminded of Elisha when the army surrounded his house, God struck them blind and he led them to Israel's army. What about when the walls came down for Joshua? Think of all the miracles of God's intervention when the odds were completely against His people and He came through.
The last 24 hours of what Daniel was faced with is not as important as what God was doing in Darius. Darius was compelled to do everything in his power, but as some point he had to come to the end of himself and seek a higher power.
Daniel 6:18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him.
Darius was so moved for Daniel he wouldn't allow himself to be persuaded to leave his vigil for Daniel's life. He did not want to be soothed. He did not want to indulge himself with food. He had no desire to sleep away the problem. He was moved to seek a higher power than himself. He couldn't change anything but just maybe, Daniel's God would intervene.
Has your faithfulness to God been evident even to the unbeliever that if you were in trouble they would seek your God on your behalf?
Father, You are amazing in all of Your ways. I do not comprehend how much You love me. I do not care for the dark times that seem to have no end. However, I want to see the power of God within, Your Holy Spirit in me to strength my resolve to be faithful to all You have called to do. I pray to be faithful to the relationship we have, to pray and keep praying, to study and continue to learn more of Your ways, to serve and keep on serving to expand Your kingdom here on earth. I do not know everyone who is watching me but what I do know is that my faithfulness is because of Your faithfulness to me. I believe what Your Words says, the promises You have given me, the dreams You have placed inside of me and the calling on my life is irrevocable. You are amazing. I pray that I will honor You will all of my ways and seek You with all of my heart. I pray for strength to continue in the power of Your love for my life. I look to You to lead me in righteousness. I listen for Your voice to guide me in truth. I position myself at Your feet to follow after You. You are my God and there is no other. Let Your light shine brightly in me and through me in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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