Text: Daniel 6 : 24-28

Dear Brethren,

"BECAUSE HE BELIEVED IN HIS GOD…" Daniel 6:23
The King heard the voice of Daniel distinctly giving a powerful witness of his faith in God. He said,

"O King, live forever!
My God sent His angel
And shut the lions' mouths,
So that they have not hurt me,
Because I was found innocent before Him;
And also, O King, I have done no wrong before you."
Daniel 6:22

What a challenge to the heart this testimony is. When Daniel spoke of his faith in God, he wasn't just talking about a mere religious confession on his part. When he spoke of faith, he also added the fact that he was innocent and that he had done no wrong against the king.

When we speak of faith in the Lord, we must always be sure that we add these elements! It wasn't just faith in God, but a life fully committed to serving Him faithfully. This was what Daniel displayed in his heart. A mere claim of faith without a life to match that proclamation does not go very far at all.

THE EXECUTION OF THE ENEMIES OF DANIEL
The King had seen through the plot of Daniel's enemies. They were the ones who hatched an evil plan to destroy Daniel. Did they also specially construct a special den to house lions so that they could throw their enemies into it?

The King decided that he would throw the enemies of Daniel into the den of lions. If they were innocent, then they would be protected as Daniel had been protected! When the enemies were thrown into the lions' den, they were all killed and devoured by the lions.

The sad part was that their family members were involved. The sin of the enemies saw to the destruction of their loved ones. This was retribution of the worst kind! Justice was indeed upheld, but at a great price!

THANK GOD FOR HIS PROMISES
Here is a wonderful Bible promise worth memorizing. It is taken from Isaiah.

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
and every tongue which rises against you in judgment
you shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me." Isaiah 54:17

Prayerfully,                                                                             

Pastor Charlie

First released 2nd September 2001, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore