Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 (Daniel 6)
God’s Holiness and a king’s ego crossed paths and a righteous man was caught in the middle. Even though Babylon changed regents and Daniel has foretold of its end, he still holds a very powerful and authoritative place in government. He is known for his integrity and this apparently offends some colleagues with a more personal agenda. These men flatter King Darius by suggesting there be a period of thirty days praise and worship to himself alone. Anyone breaking this decree will suffer death. Darius took the bait and Daniel’s fate seemed sealed.
Knowing the peril he faced, Daniel did the same thing he did every other day of his life. He turned to God in prayer. In an upstairs window, facing the earthly representation of God’s everlasting presence, Jerusalem, Daniel revealed his true character. Jerusalem was in ruins, but God said it would stand again. This God will either save him or take him into His loving arms, but Daniel would not pray to the king and He absolutely would bow himself to God. Knowing he was trapped, strength would be needed to face the uncertain future, so from his knees he gathered his courage.
King Darius reluctantly placed Daniel in the lion’s den. After a sleepless night he found a well rested servant, for an angel had once again visited this brave and steadfast man and spared his life. However, the connivery of Daniel’s enemies cost them and their families their lives.
Circumstance didn’t determine Daniel’s actions. Compromise was never a viable option. Trust in God’s ways, without understanding. Works every time! Always remember, amazing things happened (more than once) on the ‘dark’ side of a stone………
Love,
Gretchen