Lessons From Daniel’s Odyssey in The Lion’s den
Learning Bible Stories (Lessons from the Bible): Daniel’s Odyssey in The Lion’s den
The story of Daniel and the Lion’s Den is a popular story from the Bible. Most of us know this story, but only a few know its significance. Daniel’s story portrays courage, faith, and discipline. Faced with tribulations and temptations Daniel did not falter. Let’s discuss Daniel’s resilience when man and beast were against him.
Daniel was brought before the king of Babylon as a captive after Babylonia had conquered Israel. Daniel had an aura of courage and knowledge of dreams, which led to him being favoured by King Darius, the monarch of Babylon.
Daniel’s ability to interpret the king’s dreams and his appeal to the king seem like a threat to the other officials.
The officials then tricked King Darius into issuing a decree that for thirty days no prayers should be addressed to any god or man, and anyone who disobeyed is to be thrown into the lions. This decree, of course, could not stop Daniel from praying to God.
Daniel was reported to the king, and King Darius was forced to punish him. Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den, but God shut the mouth of the lions, and no harm befell Daniel.
The next morning, the king spoke loudly into the den, saying, “Daniel Has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”. Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! 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, O king.”
This miraculous occurrence made King Darius believe in the God Daniel served. He ordered the conniving officials to be thrown into the lion’s den with their family included. Darius then issued a decree that said, “In every part of my kingdom, people must fear and revere the God of Daniel, for he is the living God and He endures forever, and his kingdom will not be destroyed; his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves. He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth.”
The story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den recognises the power and authority of God. It also shows the essence of the faithfulness of man to God and the dividends that come with that faithfulness. What would have happened to Daniel without God’s interference?
Perhaps the greatest lesson of this story is the essence of faithfulness. Daniel was devoted to God. He put all of his faith in God, and that gave him the courage to defy the king’s decree. Also, his faith gave him the courage to not despair when he was led into the lion’s den. It is quite obvious it wasn’t just Daniel’s prayers that moved God, but also his faith. The Bible has made us realise that our faith can move mountains if we truly believe.
Faith is one of the greatest weapons in our arsenal as Christians. It is a sword that can cut down anything as long as we keep sharpening it. And how do we sharpen? just believe. No matter the situation you find yourselves in, keep believing in the power of the creator. God is with us when we are weakest; therefore, we have no reason to be afraid.
Another important lesson from Daniel’s story is the value of humility. Daniel was humble; he did not despise or disrespect the king, even though the king had attacked his country. Daniel was also humble before God. After he had been promoted to an official, he didn’t stop praying and worshipping God. Daniel remained humble before God and man, and this is why mercy kept locating him.
Furthermore, Daniel’s story teaches us the consequences of envy. An envious heart will only ruin itself. Even though Daniel was humble, the Babylonian officials hated and envied him. They despised Daniel to the extent that they wanted him dead. Their conniving hearts did not stop Daniel from excelling; instead, it led to their destruction. Their envy destroyed them and their innocent family.
In essence, Daniel’s story teaches us to live a life of faith, humility, and prayerfulness. In every area of our lives, we must incorporate the values that Daniel has portrayed. We must be faithful, diligent, humble, prayerful, and courageous. In addition, we must do away with envy. Jealousy and envy will not only harm us but also those around us.
Also Read: Learning Christian History Ep 1: The Rise Of Christianity
Content Credit| Ajibola Emmanuel Adebayo
Picture Credit |
https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/bible-stories/5/daniel-lions-den/
https://www.quora.com/How-often-did-Daniel-pray-in-the-Bible
