Paul McKenzie

Memory Verse, Tuesday, November 11, Daniel 6 part 2

Chapter 6: Daniel is in a big FIX! MIXES with Lions.

"O king! Did you not sign an injunction, that anyone who makes petition to any god or man withing thirty days except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?" the king answered and said, "The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians which cannot be revoked." Then they answered and said before the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day." (12b-13)

Notice the venom. He is not spoken of with respect as their boss, but "the exile from Judah". Not even the former Babylonian leader, but using the worst term they can think of in their minds to denigrate this righteous man. This is so typical of racist people derogatorily "categorizing" innocent people, trying to convince others that they are less than human so they can justify their biased evil. We see not only personal envy, but class envy as well.

The King realized that he was tricked. He was now in a fix, because he held Daniel in great respect, and "labored till the sun went down to rescue him." (14b) But he could find no way out of it, and "The king declared to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!" (16)

You can almost hear the misery of the king as he had to put his most trusted man into a sure death trap.

One thing we all should note is his words: "May your God, whom you serve continually…" What a testimony! He was known throughout the kingdom in this fashion. Is this how people know you? How about simply your family?

Jesus said: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:21-23)

Also: "May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5)

And finally: "Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life…" (Philippians 2:15-16a)

I hope that, if the Lord tarries and I leave this world through mortal death, that I will remembered as the king thought of Daniel. That is, one who "served continually" my precious God and Father. I know that this cannot be manufactured, no matter how great an act I may try to display. You can never fool God. You may fool some people for a while, but by your regular example, eventually they see what is really the desires of your heart.

O Lord, let our desires rest in you. Let us be so heavenly minded that we can be earthly good for the short time You have placed us here. That our lives may reflect You, and that the world may see that You truly are alive and well in our hearts. That we may "shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life."

Today if you hear His voice, harden not your heart.

*ESV used unless noted*

Memory Helps:

Chapter 6: Daniel is in a big FIX! MIXES with Lions.

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