November 28

Daniel 6:1-28

Lessons from Daniel

Daniel’s gifts paved the way, but his character brought God’s favor.
Clearly, Daniel was a man of integrity, but initially, it was his good looks and leadership ability that put him in a place of service within the king’s courts. Years earlier, Daniel’s country was besieged by Nebuchadnezzer and Daniel, along with his friends, was made to serve in the household of the king who had murdered their brothers and blasphemed their God. Nonetheless, Daniel purposed in his heart to honor his God. Over the years, Daniel grew in knowledge and skill, but nothing won the king’s heart over more than his character. Daniel’s character elevated him to place of authority and promotion within the kingdom. This elevation is seen in verse two when we read that king Darius put him in a position of administration over the 120 provinces of his country. Daniel, a captive from Judah, was put in a position higher than his peers, the royalty of Babylon. You see, even though it was Daniel’s gifts that opened the door to the king’s palace, it was his character that opened the door to the king’s heart. In fact, Daniel was esteemed so highly in the king’s eyes that he was planning on placing him over the entire empire.

Daniel’s favor brought persecution, but his integrity saved him from reproach.
As it was with Daniel, so it is with us. When our enemies see the favor of God increase in our lives, they will seek to find fault in us.
When they heard of the king’s plan, Daniel’s peers began seeking faults in his performance. They wouldn’t stand for some slave, a captive from Judah, ruling over them. So, they devise a plan for his demise. However, because he walked in integrity, no fault could be found in his ways. Daniel attended to his duties in such an honorable way, that even those who searched for a fault couldn’t find one! Through carelessness, a fool sets himself up for failure, but not Daniel. Through his integrity, he safeguarded his reputation. And when his enemies inspected his actions for fault, they found faithfulness, responsibility, and trustworthiness instead! Daniel’s enemies concluded that cheating was the only way they would be able to condemn him. In all their searching, it seemed the only fault they could find was his faith.

Daniel’s faith humbled a nation and saved a king.
You know how the story goes. A decree was issued prohibiting all citizens from praying to any god or man other than the king himself. This decree was only to last for thirty days, but Daniel couldn’t hold to it for 30 seconds. As soon as he learned of the decree, he went straight home, opened his window and began praying to his God. Daniel prayed before his God that day just as he had always done. Not just one time, but three times. And soon, the officials heard about it. Their hearts pumped with malice and its venom flowed through their veins. Soon, this captive would be put back in his place-a hole in the ground. Only this time, he would have visitors.
The king, with great remorse had Daniel arrested. Before throwing him to his death, the king looked at Daniel one last time and made a statement, “ May your God rescue you.” Even this pagan king had hope that the God of Israel would save his own. The hole was covered and Daniel was separated from the world. In darkness he waited and prayed. Early the next morning, the king rushed to the seal and ordered that it be removed. His faith in the God of Israel had been tested all night while he fasted and prayed. But that morning, his faith was solid at the sight of Daniel’s face.
This once pagan king then issued a worldwide decree and declared, “ The God of Israel is the living God, and He will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His rule will never end.”

Blessings,

Lauryn Everett