How to Tame Lions

Was it news of Daniel’s prophecy of Belshazzar’s fall that precipitated Daniel’s return to public life? The new king saw in him an ally, but though he offered the best service he could, as events showed, he was not in anyone’s pocket. It says much for his integrity that they couldn’t find anything to accuse him of, so when those who plotted against him failed to find any weaknesses, they had to use his strengths against him.

How susceptible to flattery are those in power! Lavish praise can make fools of us all. Without thinking of unintended consequences, Darius binds himself in a legal tangle from which there is no escape.

Once again, a king thinks that he is equal to God and that prayer should only be offered to himself. Daniel has travelled this road before and, having set his course, will not stray from it by any personal considerations of safety. By turning to Jerusalem, he daily reminded himself where his true allegiance lay.

The king is trapped by his own conceit, made powerless by his own pride. Daniel faces his probable death in faith, but the king had a long, disturbed night. Hoping against hope, he calls out in the morning and Daniel’s voice, familiar in tone and content, replies as usual.

Daniel’s God has protected him, though the lions were no vegetarians as the plotters soon discovered! Once more, a decree goes out proclaiming who is Lord of the nations. There is only one correct response: fear and reverence. Daniel is secure in his position and all thoughts of early retirement have now been firmly put to rest!

Respond in Prayer

Father, help me live with Daniel’s kind of integrity and single-mindedness and give me the courage and faith to know that you will protect me from whatever “lions” I may face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Colin Sinclair

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).