Read: Daniel 6:16-28
God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths. (v. 22)
Daniel faced two overwhelming pressures. The privilege, prosperity, and power of the pagan empire dangled within his reach. The threat of the lions’ den hung over his head. All Daniel had to do to claim the reward and escape the punishment was . . . nothing: refrain from any visible act of devotion to his God. Instead, Daniel publicly turned his back on the Persian throne and its promise of privilege, prosperity, and power. He turned his face toward Jerusalem, and earned himself a place in the lions’ den.
Daniel knew two things that we do well to keep in mind: the pleasures of this world cannot compete with the promises of heaven; and the pressures of this world cannot separate us from the presence of God. God was with Daniel in the lions’ den. God is with us even when it feels like the world is against us.
Daniel also knew that the world was watching. There was more at stake than Daniel’s earthly survival. His act of defiance might contribute to another’s eternal salvation. When Darius saw Daniel’s devotion to God in the face of death, he was convicted. When Darius saw Daniel emerge unscathed, he was convinced: “the God of Daniel . . . is the living God” (v. 26).
We can trust God to sustain us when we resist the pressures and pleasures of this world. We can also trust God to use our moments of resistance—great and small—to reveal himself to the watching world.
As you pray, ask God to reassure you of his presence and make his presence known.
About the Author
Ben Van Arragon is the Minister of Worship and Leadership at Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He preaches and teaches the Bible in church, online, and anywhere else he has the opportunity.
