God delivers Daniel from the lions, prompting the king of Babylon to praise the one true God.
God delivers Daniel from the lions, prompting the king of Babylon to praise the one true God.
Advent Day 17, The Protector.
Daniel, what comes to mind when you hear his name?
The lions probably, prayer too.
If Daniel didn't pray to the God of gods and the King of kings, he wouldn't spend the night with the lions.
He would be having dinner with his friends or addressing the king's counselors.
Daniel's habit of prayer is no small thing.
His life of prayer teaches us that talking with God matters.
It also shows us the power of waiting on God, of remembering who God is and of hoping in God.
King Darius, ruler of the Medes and Persians, plans to set Daniel above his counselors and officials.
They revolted the idea.
Daniel 6 tells us, an excellent spirit was in Daniel, and Darius planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom.
But they could find no ground for complaint or any fault.
Because he was faithful and no error or fault was found in him.
Why is Daniel favored by the king?
What qualities describe him?
The officials and counselors do find grounds for complaint.
The counselors and officials use Daniel's faith in the God of Israel against him.
They conspire and plot and come to the king.
The king listens.
He signs their injunction, which forbids petitioning anyone other than the king.
With the trap set, the counselors and officials wait to catch Daniel in it.
Not that they need to, really.
They know where they'll find Daniel.
He'll be praying in his house.
Verse 10 of Daniel 6 tells us, When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem.
He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God as he had done previously.
How does Daniel's example convict or encourage you to continue doing what is right and good, despite ridicule or risk?
It's not as though Daniel is taken by surprise.
Daniel is one of the king's most trusted advisors.
He is aware of people's machinations and political motivations, as well as the latest injunction.
He knows full well what remaining faithful to God will cost him.
Yet he keeps praying.
Can you picture him?
Here is Daniel rolling out his prayer mat.
Here is Daniel on his knees.
And here is Daniel setting his face toward Jerusalem, God's holy city, bowing down to the God of God's who does as he pleases and thanking God, even as feet tread upon the stairs.
How can Daniel pray to God considering the king's injunction?
What does he remember?
Daniel remembers what all of us need to remember.
God, not man, is the creator and ruler of all.
How does Daniel continually remember who God is?
Daniel prays three times a day, every day.
What does your habit of prayer look like in this holiday season?
What, if anything, would you like to be different about that habit in the weeks and days leading up to Christmas?
Daniel remembers too that God is his protector at all times and in all seasons.
Some 46 verse 1 says God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Because Daniel remembers who God is, Daniel doesn't strive.
He doesn't manipulate or strategize or flatter.
He prays.
He seeks God.
How is Daniel's first response to danger different from or similar to yours?
Daniel also remembers he is not at home.
No matter how far he rises and King Darius is esteem, no matter how many years he spends in Babylon, Daniel remains a sojourner.
He looks to Jerusalem, God's chosen dwelling place, and longs to be there.
We look forward to a holy city too.
One God is preparing for us.
What would it look like to remember the city and to prioritize it the way Daniel prioritizes Jerusalem?
Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, also prays.
Why?
Because Jesus is fully human and fully God.
He needs God the Father and he needs to remember his need for God.
So he prays.
He prays by himself and he prays with others.
He teaches people how to pray too, telling them in Matthew 6, "Pray then like this, our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name."
In what ways do you need to remember that God is your heavenly Father this Advent and Christmas season?
Jesus' habit of prayer demonstrates his dependence on God.
When the devil tempts Jesus, Jesus speaks the Word of God.
When Peter questions Jesus, Jesus says to mind the things of God, not the things of man.
And when Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane where his will struggles against what God wills, he prays.
He prays fervently asking, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.
Nevertheless, not my will but yours be done."
Luke 22:42.
Jesus brings his desire to God, "Remove this cup from me."
But Jesus surrenders his desire to God's, not my will but yours be done.
What desires do you need to share with God, perhaps especially during this holiday season?
And what do you need to surrender to Him?
If we desire to be more like Daniel and Jesus, who rested easy despite dens filled with lions, boats tossed by seas, and gardens filled with soldiers, we need to develop a habit of prayer.
When we're starting a habit, we should go slow.
So what is the one thing for which you could pray consistently this Advent?
Pray for it every day for at least two to three minutes.
Let's pray now together.
Heavenly Father, we want to trust you when life is difficult.
Reveal to us how prayer is one of the ways we learn to depend on you.
Remind us of Daniel, who faced down counselors, kings and lions through the practice of prayer.
Remind us of Jesus, God with us, who not only prayed but also instructed us to pray to you because you are good and our perfect Heavenly Father.
You give good gifts and you delight in hearing from us your children.
Thank you and amen.