Daniel Served Faithfully

Scripture: Daniel 6:3–5 (KJV)

Daniel served King Darius faithfully. He worked carefully and honestly, and the king planned to put him in charge of the whole kingdom. Some other officials became jealous. They watched Daniel, hoping to find something wrong with his work, but they could find no dishonesty or carelessness. Then they made a plan. They knew Daniel loved God, and they decided to use his faithfulness to God against him.

Remember This: We can honour God by being faithful and honest in the things we do.

A Dangerous New Rule

Scripture: Daniel 6:6–9 (KJV)

The jealous officials went to King Darius with a suggestion. For thirty days, they said, no one should ask anything of any god or person except the king. Anyone who disobeyed would be thrown into the lions' den. The king signed the law. Under the laws of the Medes and Persians, it could not be changed. The officials now had the trap they wanted, because they knew Daniel would keep praying to God.

Remember This: When people ask us to disobey God, we must choose to obey Him.

Daniel Kept Praying

Scripture: Daniel 6:10–13 (KJV)

Daniel heard about the new law. He went home, where his windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day, he knelt down, prayed, and gave thanks to God, just as he had done before. Daniel did not stop trusting God because of the king's command. The officials found him praying and hurried to tell the king. Daniel had broken the new law, they said, and he must be sent to the lions' den.

Remember This: We can bring our worries to God and keep thanking Him, even when we are afraid.

The King Was Very Sad

Scripture: Daniel 6:14–17 (KJV)

Full Scripture (KJV):

“Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.” — Daniel 6:16

When the king heard what had happened, he was deeply upset. He tried until sunset to find a way to save Daniel. But the officials reminded him that the law could not be changed. At last, Daniel was taken to the lions' den. The king spoke to him about the God he served continually. Then a stone was placed over the opening and sealed. Daniel was inside, but he was not beyond God's care.

Remember This: Even when other people cannot help us, God knows where we are.

A Night with the Lions

Scripture: Daniel 6:18–22 (KJV)

That night, the king returned to his palace, but he did not eat or enjoy any entertainment. He could not sleep. Down in the den, God was caring for Daniel. God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths. The lions did not hurt him. Daniel could not rescue himself from that den, but the living God was able to protect him through the night.

Remember This: God's power is greater than the things that frighten us.

Daniel Was Safe!

Scripture: Daniel 6:19–23 (KJV)

Full Scripture (KJV):

“My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me” — Daniel 6:22, excerpt

At the first light of morning, the king hurried to the lions' den. With a troubled voice, he called to Daniel and asked whether the God he served had been able to save him. Daniel answered! God had sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths. The king was overjoyed and ordered Daniel to be lifted out. There was no injury on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Remember This: God heard Daniel, and He hears us when we pray.

The King Praised God

Scripture: Daniel 6:25–28 (KJV)

Full Scripture (KJV):

“for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed” — Daniel 6:26, excerpt

King Darius sent a message to the peoples of his kingdom. They were to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. He declared that God is the living God, that His kingdom will never be destroyed, and that He rescues and delivers. Daniel's rescue pointed people to God's greatness. As we remember this story, we can praise the same living God and ask Him to help us trust and obey Him every day.

Remember This: Give God the glory for what He has done.