ICS Daily Devotions
Overcoming the Lion’s Den
Jesus never meant that it will be easy for us to be the salt and light of this world. It is not meant for those who are uncomfortable with paying a price to be different. In fact, it will be a real test of our core values in this world where many people claim that there are no moral absolutes. You will be thrown into an environment where you are really tested for what you claim to believe and stand for. The question will be whether you are willing to go to the stake for what you believe. We have to live our lives based on the conviction that we hold dearly as a believer of Jesus Christ!
Daniel 1:8-9,17 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. …….As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
We can look at Daniel who is one of the characters in the Bible. Daniel’s character reflected a close relationship with God. He was chosen to serve in the king’s palace. It is the best opportunity for someone who is a captive in a foreign land. He could have used the opportunity to get himself out of poverty, make himself rich and climb the ladder in the palace. He could have been working on his social skills and worked on the relationship starting with the eunuch who looked after him and his friends. It would have been a great opportune time for him to be proud, trust in himself and satisfy his soul. While it might not be wrong to be connected to the right people, it is wrong to forgo all our values and principles just to be rich. He chose to live contrary to what has been described because he wanted to give all the glory to God and be completely dependent on Him.
There is nothing wrong for God’s people to be holding high position in society and to even be an advisor to kings or governments. In fact, it should be a norm for believers to be holding high positions in society because God is with us and has granted us wisdom. Daniel even had ability to understand visions and dreams. We do have an edge over the people in the world because God will grant us His wisdom, some insight if we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and the ability to know what to do in a particular situation. But Daniel’s attitude was focusing on God and His will rather than on the riches or positions in the world.
Daniel 6:20-23 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 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.” Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.
It is noteworthy how Daniel’s character handled his perseverance in time of difficulty because of his pious attitude. He survived the harshest of palace politics and chose not to quit on God and the people whom he was called to serve. Many people, especially the younger generation, are hardly able to handle such harsh environment without quickly throwing in the towel nowadays. Daniel knew his calling and he knew God. These are important qualities to have in order to persevere during time of persecution, tribulation and hardship. In fact, his faith in God was strengthened when he went from one tribulation to another. He experienced God!
How we respond when difficulties arise says a lot about our character and our trust in God’s sovereignty. We need to nourish convictions about God and His plan for us. They have to be based on scriptures to substantiate a biblical truth that we stand on. One must be convinced that God truly exist and know God in order to survive the different trials and tribulations in life. These challenges in life can either make or break us as a person. Daniel lived his life based on his convictions. He succeeded and God poured out His blessing on him and his actions. Let us keep Daniel in mind when he run our own race for Jesus Christ!
Sermon Series: Living in the Lion’s Den
