Shutting the Lion's Mouth
Today’s Verse:
My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. ~Daniel 6:22
The Bible uses several colorful descriptions of Satan. One of these descriptions is that of a roaring lion. Lions have been dubbed the king of the beasts. They are strong and ferocious, and they announce their presence with a terrifying roar. Lions were kept in holding cells for the purpose of feeding prisoners to them. This morning, we see one of the most familiar and exciting passages of Scripture: how God kept Daniel from being eaten by hungry lions. Let us see how to shut the mouth of the lion.
We see the devotion.
We are told that Daniel was faithful. Daniel maintained an unswerving devotion to God. Daniel was consecrated to God and His Word. Daniel had convictions. He purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s meat and wine. Daniel was a faithful witness concerning his faith in God. We are told that he had an excellent spirit in him. He could not be bought or bribed. He would not compromise his faith. Everyone who came into contact with him knew that the Spirit of the Lord was upon him. He loved God, and God loved him. God honors those who are devoted to Him.
We see the dependable.
Daniel was "faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him." He was faithful in spirit. He had an excellent spirit about him. He was faithful in his reporting. We have three recorded times that Daniel interpreted something that the king dreamed of or saw. His report was accurate and spoke about the Lord. He was faithful in the execution of his secular office. He demonstrated that he could be trusted. He was a wise and careful steward. He was faithful to his friends. He sought to give to, invest in, and promote his friends. There are not very many faithful men. The Bible asks, “A faithful man who can find?” "A faithful man shall abound with blessings." God honors those who are faithful.
We see the duty.
“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” A law was passed making it illegal for Daniel to pray. However, Daniel prayed and gave thanks as he did aforetime. We are commanded to fear and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. He was faithful in his duty to pray. If a law were passed forbidding you to pray, would you still pray?
We see the deliverance.
Daniel was sentenced to the lion’s den, but he placed his faith in God for his outcome. That next morning, when King Darius saw that he was alive and unhurt, Daniel testified of God shutting the mouths of the lions. When we consider his faithfulness, his integrity, his righteousness, his prayer life, his spirit, his faith, and his dependence upon a God Who is mighty and true, no wonder God shut the mouth of the lions. Peter tells us that we are to resist the devil, being steadfast in the faith. Follow Daniel’s pattern to shut the mouth of the lion in your life.
Have a faithful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Chronicles 12-14