“Provoking Christian Insights” series

Part 33

Dare to be a Daniel

The day may not be far off when you will be asked, “Are you a Christian,” knowing that a “yes” answer might get you killed. The book of Revelation stated that these days of tribulation are coming. They have already come for many throughout the centuries, and currently for some Americans in Iraq. Yet, millions of Americans claim to be Christian. This week newspapers report that there are now more Muslims in the world than Christians.

Last Sunday, Pastor Duane Lee was teaching on the 6^th Chapter of Daniel and of the faithfulness of God’s servant in Babylonian captivity. We all know about Daniel being thrown into the Lion’s Den and the fact that he survived the encounter. We all are sure that God had a hand in saving Daniel from the hungry lions. According to Pastor Lee, the Bible is giving us important information that may be helpful in this day and age.

Daniel was about 80 years old and had served four rulers holding one of the highest offices in the land. He had been captive of the Babylonians for most of his life, when Darius, 62, was made ruler of Babylon. Darius made 120 princes (satraps) to watch over his nation. Over these were three governors, of whom Daniel was one. The princes watched the kings’ money and goods so that he would not suffer loss, something that earlier King Nebuchadnezzar, a much better ruler, had controlled with less government oversight.

Daniel was number One of the three governors and Darius was thinking of giving Daniel even more power. Some of the others wanted rid of Daniel. So the governor and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was  any error or fault found in him. They convinced Darius that he alone should be worshipped (flattery will get you everywhere) and convinced the duped ruler that a law should be made that those worshipping other Gods be put into the Lion’s den.

Whatever the king signed into writing could not be changed. Daniel knew the writing was signed.

Daniel went home and as was his custom went to the upper room and with the windows open faced toward Jerusalem and said his prayers three times a day. He had done this all of his life and continued to do so. He made no argument against the decree.

These governors and satraps went before Darius and told him that Daniel was worshipping his God three times a day. Darius had no alternative but to throw Daniel into the Lions den. What the schemers did count on was that Daniel’s God was faithful to Daniel. We all know the story that Daniel survived the Lions den without being touched by the lion.  Even king Darius had told Daniel that Daniel’s God would protect him. He did!

King Darius told Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your

God. Whom you serve continually, been able to deliver your from the lions?”

Daniel told Darius the required answer, “O King, live forever.” Then Daniel said, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” The king was glad because he, like his predecessors before him, really liked Daniel.

The king then gave a command and the brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions-them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones to pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den,” Daniel 6: 24.

Things we can learn from Daniel

1.        God historically protects the faithful.

2.        There are angels who do interact with humans.

Even heathen king Darius knew that he wasn’t the God of Daniel when he said in Daniel 6:16, “Your God will protect you.”  Although this was over 500 years before Christ we know that one of the primary functions of angels is to minister to believers in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:4).

The Bible is full of stories where God stepped in and saved out His remnant. God protects the faithful. What we can’t see is one of the primary functions of angels is to minister to believers in Jesus Christ, (Hebrews 1:14). Sometimes the ministry of angels is visible (Matthew 28:2-7). Other times angels deal with people in dreams or visions (Matthew 1:20; 2:13). Still other angelic ministries occur without the people affected even knowing it, (Hebrews 13:2).

It appears that some angels have more or less fixed assignments over oversight, protection, and guidance. Powerful angels may involve themselves in the affairs of certain nations (Daniel 10:13, 18-20; 12:1). Angels may be assigned to oversee churches, (Revelation 1:20, 2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14). Other angels may be “guardian angels” to individuals, (Matthew 18:20) NKJV.

Keep in mind Angels are worshipers, not objects of worship and idolatrous fascination (Judges 13:15,16). When people get fascinated with angels, the attention is diverted from God. Satan is pleased by excessive attention to angels or anything other than God. Angels, always try to direct out attention and praise toward God Himself, (Revelation 5:11,12).

Concerning Demons and fallen angels, the Bible makes references to the vast number of angels God created, (Matthew 26:53; Hebrews 12:22). At some point Lucifer, a chief angel led approximately one-third of the angels in rebellion against God (Isaiah 14:42, Revelation 12:3,4,9). Some fallen angels engage in conflicts with good angels (Daniel 10:12.13, Jude 9) The Open Bible NKJV.

Today God communicates with all believers directly through His Holy Spirit. Like Daniel, does God still communicate through visions and dreams? Some scholars believe He still does, others say that there is no need due to the sending of the comforter. What is known that God promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. Jesus promised us the comfort of the Holy Spirit in each believer.  With that said it should be important for us to dare to be a Daniel.

INSPIRATION: “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you,” King Darius to Daniel.

Write: croneis@embarqmail.com