Daniel 6:19-28
Verse 22 “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”
The king had a sleepless night, Daniel on the other hand was finding himself in the midst of what may have been the scariest moments of his life. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust God to save him but he knew the danger of the lions. Remember Daniel was born into a royal or noble family, he may not have been used to being around many animals in his life which may have led to other anxieties.
Daniel was not in a comfortable situation. This den was not made to feel warm and comfortable, it was likely made from rocks and would have been hard and cold. The softest thing in the den were the beasts and Daniel’s first thought was not likely about how he was going to sleep with a hungry “floor pillow.” There was also the smell. This night was not going to be enjoyable.
The thing that should have been the most concerning wasn’t a concern at all. Daniel’s one comfort was that God sent an angel to close the lion’s mouths. We can imagine the angel told Daniel not to be afraid since that was almost like a form of greeting for angels because their presence always startled people. Daniel must have been so relieved by the angel closing the mouths of the lions.
The visit from the angel was more comforting than just the shutting up of the beasts. It appears Daniel understood the visit as a sign that God found him innocent. This innocence wasn’t limited to how well he did with spiritual disciplines like prayer and obeying the 10 commandments. No, he had been found innocent in God’s eyes. The Lord knew him as a righteous man, not perfect, but righteous. God had also found him innocent in any wrong doing against Darius. This was another thing to encourage Daniel.
This whole incident was actually a way for God to hand-out justice in our sinful world. While the other men were trying to trip Daniel up, God was letting them trap themselves. The judgment handed down to them was complete, including their wives and children too. They were thrown into the very pit they had planned for Daniel and they didn’t have the same protection. God was not their protector but He was their judge.
Making It Personal
Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t know why you were in trouble? How much do you desire justice? Does your idea of Justice fit with God’s idea of justice?
Making It Personal Kids
What do you do when you get in trouble but don’t think you should be the one in trouble? Do you complain or know God will take care of you? Have you seen God punish a person?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for this reminder of Your justice and mercy. Help us to love justice and show mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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