God Saves Those Who Follow Him

Chapter 6 is the last chapter of narrative we will see before we get into the apocalyptic literature in chapters 7-12. In this chapter verses 1-9 we see the king’s court conspiring to have Daniel put to death. Because of Daniel’s excellent spirit which resides in him, Darius is contemplating putting him over the kingdom. This does not bode well with the governors and the satraps so they try to find something that they can accuse Daniel of that would put him against the king. They convinced the king to decree that no one should honor their gods or another man for thirty days. The people were to honor only the king and if found guilty of such a crime they would be thrown in the lion's den. In verses 10-17 Daniel hears of the law and immediately goes to his house in the upper room, opens the window and starts to pray. The king’s court see and hear Daniel and report back to the king what Daniel has done. The king is upset and decides that Daniel must pay for his offense. Darius is upset with himself and took all day to decide the punishment for Daniel. The king has Daniel thrown into the lion’s den, but before Daniel is taken away we see that Darius speaks to Daniel telling him that his God will deliver him from this punishment. The king and his cronies seal the lion’s den with their signet ring to ensure the den would not be opened by anyone but the king. In verses 18-23 we see the king was distraught and could not sleep nor could he listen to or play music. The king arises early in the morning runs to the lion’s den and calls to Daniel with a lamenting voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” When Daniel responded that God had sent an angel to shut the mouth of the lion the king was relieved. We learn that there was no harm done to Daniel because God protects those who follow Him. We see that in verses 24-28 the king throws those who deceived the king were punished in the same way Daniel was, in the lion's den. We also see the king makes a decree that no one shall come against God. In short, all dominions shall tremble and fear before God.

It is interesting how today we see similar behavior and jealous tendencies on display from the media, politicians and educational institutions. Satan will use distractions, lies and deceit to confuse you into believing God does not love you or your salvation is not guaranteed when we choose to live for Christ. We see today how these lies are propagated in society. How Satan has attacked the children and have deceived many who are lost and who are searching for the love they will never find in the world. When you live in anger, fear, distrust, hate you are following Satan and he knows it. In (John 8:44) the apostle reminds us that when we do evil we are from the father, the devil. Even Satan knows he has to worship God (Matthew 4:10). Satan stands before God accusing us night and day (Revelation 12:10). Following the devil is a personal choice and there are people out there that choose to follow evil.

The only way we can break the stronghold that Satan has on us is by developing a close personal relationship with Jesus (James 4:7). The only way to protect ourselves is putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). We must find a better way and continue to pray for the lost, for the ones who are lied to and have been deceived (2 Timothy 2:26). Just as we choose to follow Christ, we have to choose to take personal responsibility for our actions and the words we speak. We are all accountable to God no matter what or who you believe in (2 Corinthians 5:10). I think the people who know God and follow God are protected by God. We know that people want to know and have what we have in our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It reminds me of the satraps and how they wanted to have that same relationship with the king just as Daniel did. In our relationship with Jesus we feel the love He has for us. We know and believe in the promises He has made to us and if we change our lives and follow Him we will live for eternity.

My prayer is that we all look to Jesus to guide our lives. I pray that Jesus breathe new life into us so that we will change our ways, our thoughts and behaviors from the world. That we would live freely for God and Jesus. That our lives will become more fruitful in sharing the gospel with all that God puts in our path. I pray for the revival and the love of God will fall upon every one of us. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray Amen! Amen!