Saved from the Lions

Introduction

Who do you trust when you are in a den of lions? Does anyone care if you are in the lions' den? Is there anyone who can save you from the lions? Daniel spent a night in the lions' den and he learned: 1) he could trust God in the lions' den, 2) God cared that he was in the lions' den, and 3) God was able to deliver him from the lions' den.

I. CONSPIRACY AGAINST DANIEL

A. CHARACTER OF DANIEL. (v. 1-3)

Daniel was a man of great character. He demonstrated his godly character at a very young age, even finding favor with the prince of the eunuchs. (Dan. 1:8-9) Daniel was respected by the kings he served. Even his enemies could find nothing against him. In our text, we discover Daniel being promoted by Darius "because an excellent spirit was in him." The king intended to place Daniel over the whole realm of his kingdom. 

Someone has said: "Reputation is what men think you are, while character is what God knows you are."

B. CHARGE AGAINST DANIEL. (v. 4-9)

Success of some always leads to jealousy in others. The presidents and princes sought to find something in Daniel so they could have him removed from his position and lose favor with the king.

Daniel's adversaries made a search of his background, but could not find any error or fault in him. Daniel had a record of faithfulness and of integrity. His enemies plotted to find some error in him concerning the law of his God.

These evil men knew of Darius' ego and Daniel's devotion. They deceived the king in signing a decree that stated that if anyone asked a petition from anyone besides the king, he would be cast into the den of lions. This fed the ego of Darius because it elevated him. He would be worshipped as a god.

C. CRISIS OF DANIEL. (v. 11-15) 

The king signed the decree to cast into the lions' den anyone who prayed to any other god or man for a period of thirty days. The plotters' intent was to manipulate the king into killing Daniel. They knew Daniel's commitment to prayer. 

They charged Daniel with showing disrespect to the king and not honoring the laws of their nation.

II. CONVICTION OF DANIEL

Charles Stanley: "Convictions guide our decisions and determine our character. In order to live a godly life, we must have strong biblical values. With a firm foundation based on God's Word, we're ready to face whatever challenges come our way."

A. MAN OF PRINCIPLES. (v. 10)

Daniel heard of Darius' decree, but it did not stop him from worshipping his God. He continued his practices as he always had done. Daniel didn't change his conviction just because his life was threatened.

A person of conviction stands by his principles no matter what the consequences may be. A person of principles is faithful to his convictions. He follows his convictions rather than abandoning them.

B. MAN OF PRAYER. (v. 10)

It was Daniel's custom to pray three times a day to God. His window was open as he prayed while facing Jerusalem. Daniel had a practice of prayer and a place of prayer. His first devotion was to God and nothing would keep him from seeking God in prayer.

Daniel would have been in his 80's or 90's at this time. The Lord had proven faithful to Daniel many times during his life. God had answered numerous prayers for Daniel. Daniel, no doubt, committed this problem to the Lord.

Daniel completed his prayer by giving thanks to the Lord. This reminds us of Paul's command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18. "Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

In times of crisis, we need to follow Paul's instruction. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)

Daniel offered thanks to his God although he knew the possible sentence of death. He had peace with God and peace within himself in spite of his dilemma. He had committed the crisis to God’s sovereignty. 

III. CARE OF DANIEL

A. DANGER IN THE LIONS' DEN.

1. Sealing of the den. (v. 16-17)

Daniel was cast into the den of ferocious lions. A stone was placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own signet and with the signet of his lords. There was no escaping from the lions' den. Daniel was facing death.

2. Sorrowing of the king. (v. 18-19)

The king had done all he could to deliver Daniel, but to no avail. (v. 14) The decree could not be changed. Before leaving Daniel, the king gave him a word of encouragement. "Thy God, who thou servest continually, he will deliver thee." The king went to his palace where he fasted all night. Sleep was taken from him.

B. DELIVERANCE FROM THE LIONS' DEN.

1. Answer from the den. (v. 20- 21)

The next morning the king returned very early to the lions' den. He did not send a servant or solider to check on Daniel. The king went in haste to the den of lions. As he approached the den, he cried out in anguish to Daniel, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" (Daniel 6:20 KJV)

"Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever." (Daniel 6:21 KJV)

The king's heart was filled with joy and excitement at the sound of Daniel's voice. In verse 23, the king was exceedingly glad for Daniel's deliverance.

How had Daniel survived in a den full of lions?

2. Angel in the den. (v. 22-23)

Daniel explained how he escaped from being a meal for the lions. "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocence was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt." (Daniel 6:22 KJV)

God sent His angel to watch over and care for Daniel. He was safe from the lions because he was in the protective care of the angel.

W. A. Criswell: "Why, Daniel was more at rest in the den of lions than Darius was in the palace with all its comforts and luxuries; for is not the night for rest?"

We may ask what if God had not delivered Daniel. The angel would have carried him on to glory. Children of God are winners regardless of the outcome. They are under the care of the Lord.

We can say with Paul, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." God's will is to deliver some of His children like He did Daniel and Peter. At other times, He will carry his children home like He did Stephen and James. (Acts 7:58-60, 12:1-2)

We have our lions' den, too. The lions' den reminds us that there is a spiritual battle raging all around us. Satan is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. (1 Pet. 5:8) He has an army of demons to aid him in his dirty work. The devil has many supporters whom he uses to harass and deceive us.

God took care of Daniel while he was in the lions' den. When Daniel was taken out of the lions' den, "no manner of hurt was found upon him."

Are you in some sort of a lions' den?

LESSONS FOR LIFE:

1. God is where the believer is, even in the lions' den. He never leaves His children.

2. God cares for His own. He shows Himself strong on their behalf.

3. God doesn't always deliver believers from danger or death, but He does assure them of their place in heaven.

4. Is your soul saved? If not, God offers you the gift of forgiveness and salvation today.