Shutting The Lion’s Mouth (Daniel 6)

Imagine walking into your workplace, your school, or even just your daily routine, and there's an invisible force always challenging you, tempting you to compromise your values, to take the easy way out. It's not a dramatic showdown, but a constant, subtle battle against principles and integrity. This is where our story begins today, not in a grand arena, but in the quiet corners of everyday life, much like Daniel's.

Daniel, a man taken from his homeland in his youth, rises to prominence in a foreign empire. It's a world where power plays, political intrigue, and moral compromise are the norms. Yet, here stands Daniel, unwavering in his commitment to God amidst a society that often stands in stark contrast to his deeply held beliefs.

As we dive into Daniel 6, we're uncovering the timeless struggle between steadfast faith and a world that relentlessly challenges it. We're not just talking about lions, decrees, or kings; we're discussing integrity, faith, and the courage to stand alone. Daniel's story is our story - a journey of maintaining faith in a faithless environment, of being an unseen hero in our everyday lives.

The Integrity of Daniel (1-5)

Daniel 6:1–5 (ESV) — 1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; 2 and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. 3 Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 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. 5 Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”

As we dive into the first five verses of Daniel 6, let's paint a picture of the scene. Imagine, if you will, the grandeur of the Babylonian empire, a place of immense power and complex politics. And in this intricate web of power, there's Daniel. Now, Daniel isn't just any other guy in the empire; he's like that coworker who, no matter what project he's on, just shines. His excellence is so apparent that King Darius plans to set him over the entire kingdom. That's big league!

But here's the kicker: Daniel's success isn't due to his political savvy or his ability to schmooze with the right people. No, Daniel stands out because of his exceptional qualities – integrity, faithfulness, and a fearlessness when it comes to his relationship with God. He's not cutting corners or bending rules. He's doing his job with a level of integrity that's so rare it's almost alien in his context.

In a world where moral compromise is often the currency of advancement, Daniel's dedication to God makes him stick out like a sore thumb. His integrity is his trademark, and it's this unwavering character that sets the stage for the drama that unfolds.

Daniel's integrity isn't just a personal attribute; it's a beacon that shines bright in a dark place. It challenges us to consider how our own integrity and faithfulness stand up in our environments.

Think about something – in our own lives, how often are we tempted to cut corners or hide our faith to fit in or get ahead? Daniel's story isn't just a tale from the past; it's a mirror reflecting our own daily battles.

Jealousy Meets Opportunity (6-9)

Daniel 6:6–9 (ESV) — 6 Then these high officials and satraps came by agreement to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever! 7 All the high officials of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the document and injunction.

Moving on to verses 6-9, we see that Daniel's integrity and success don't sit well with everyone. Enter the other high officials and satraps. These guys are the epitome of workplace jealousy. They're like those people who can't stand it when someone else is doing better than them. They're irked by Daniel's excellence and integrity because it highlights their own inadequacies.

So, what do they do? They start digging. They're looking for dirt on Daniel, anything to bring him down. But here's the thing – they can't find anything. Daniel is squeaky clean. The only "weakness" they can exploit is his unshakeable commitment to God.

These officials then hatch a devious plan. They butter up King Darius, playing to his ego, and convince him to enact a law that forbids prayer to any god or man other than Darius for thirty days. It's a classic case of using flattery and manipulation to serve one's own agenda.

The plot against Daniel shows us how jealousy and insecurity can lead people to extreme measures. It's a vivid illustration of how doing the right thing can sometimes make us a target.

Reflect on this: have you ever faced opposition or felt pressure because of your faith or your ethical stance? Daniel’s story is about to show us the cost of faithfulness in a faithless world.

Daniel's Defiance (10)

Daniel 6:10 (ESV) — 10 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.

As we step into verse 10 of Daniel 6, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The law is set; the trap is laid. What does Daniel do? He does exactly what he's always done. When he learns about the decree, Daniel goes home, and just as he has done before, he opens his windows toward Jerusalem and prays to God - not once, but three times a day. Talk about a mic drop moment!

This isn't just routine; it's defiance in its purest form. Daniel knows the stakes. He's aware that bending the knee in prayer could land him in a den of lions. Yet, he chooses faithfulness over safety, devotion over compromise. He doesn't pray completely in secret or alter his routine; he stands firm, windows open, unashamed of his faith in God.

Daniel's act is a powerful testament to his unshakable faith. It challenges us to consider the depth of our own faith. Would we have the courage to stand firm in our beliefs, knowing the potential consequences?

Consider this: in the face of opposition or when our faith could cost us something, are we as steadfast as Daniel, or do we close our windows and hide our faith?

The Inevitability of Consequences (11-17)

Daniel 6:11–17 (ESV) — 11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and plea before his God. 12 Then they came near and said before the king, concerning the injunction, “O king! Did you not sign an injunction, that anyone who makes petition to any god or man within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 13 Then they answered and said before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.” 14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was much distressed and set his mind to deliver Daniel. And he labored till the sun went down to rescue him. 15 Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.” 16 Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” 17 And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.

Now, as we move into verses 11-17, the drama intensifies. Daniel's adversaries catch him in the act of prayer, just as they had hoped. They rush to King Darius, reminding him of the decree he had signed, and point out Daniel's defiance. Darius, who holds Daniel in high esteem, is distressed. He spends the entire day trying to find a loophole, a way to save Daniel, but the law of the Medes and Persians cannot be repealed.

As the sun sets, Darius is forced to command that Daniel be thrown into the lion's den. It’s a moment of profound irony – a powerful king, bound by his own decree, powerless to save the man he admires. As Daniel is lowered into the den, Darius says to him, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”

This part of the narrative highlights the harsh reality that sometimes, even those who wish us well cannot save us from the consequences of our faithfulness. It's a stark reminder of the cost of standing firm in our convictions.

Reflect on moments when you felt alone in your stand for faith, when even well-intentioned people couldn't shield you from the fallout. Daniel’s experience in the den is a vivid picture of facing the lions in our own lives.

God's Faithfulness in the Den (18-23)

Daniel 6:18–23 (ESV) — 18 Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no diversions were brought to him, and sleep fled from him. 19 Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

As we enter into verses 18-23, the scene shifts from the dimming light of Darius's palace to the dark depths of the lion's den. Here, a remarkable event unfolds. While Darius spends a sleepless night, tormented by his own helplessness, Daniel is in the den, but he is not alone. God sends His angel to shut the lions' mouths, and Daniel is unharmed.

The next morning, with the first light of dawn, Darius rushes to the den. He cries out, hoping against hope, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” And then, those incredible words echo out of the den, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me.”

This is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness. In the midst of what seemed like an inescapable fate, God intervenes. Daniel’s faith, coupled with God's power, results in a miraculous deliverance.

Think about the 'lion's dens' we face in our lives. Where do we place our trust when we find ourselves in seemingly impossible situations? Daniel's story is a reminder of God’s presence and power in our darkest hours.

The Aftermath of Faithfulness (24-28)

Now, let’s turn to the concluding verses, 24-28. In this final act, the story of Daniel takes a dramatic turn. The men who had conspired against Daniel are thrown into the very den they had prepared for him, along with their families. It’s a harsh and brutal portrayal of justice, underscoring the seriousness of their actions against a servant of God.

Then, King Darius makes a sweeping declaration, acknowledging the power of Daniel's God. He commands that all people in his realm must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. It's a moment of triumph not just for Daniel, but for the God he serves. Daniel's faithfulness leads to an incredible witness to the nations.

The chapter closes with Daniel prospering during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Daniel's journey through the den wasn't just about his survival; it was about God’s glory and the impact of unwavering faith on the world.

In wrapping up the story of Daniel in the lions' den, we're reminded that this narrative is much more than a tale of survival. It's a story of faith tested and vindicated, of God's power and justice, and of the far-reaching impact of living a life committed to God. As we reflect on Daniel's journey, let's ask ourselves how our own faith can influence not just our lives, but the world around us. How can we, like Daniel, be a testament to God's faithfulness in a world that often feels like a lion's den?

How Can We Have Living Faith in Babylon?

As we delve deeper into the life and actions of Daniel, there's a profound lesson to be learned about being a testament to God's faithfulness. Daniel's story isn't just about avoiding the lions’ mouths; it's about living a life that consistently reflects God's character and principles, no matter the environment.

What Daniel Does:

1. Commitment: Daniel's commitment to God is not situational. Whether in comfort or crisis, his devotion remains constant. He prays three times a day, with his windows open, not as a show of defiance (though it becomes that) but as an act of consistent faith.
2. Over Convenience: Daniel chooses integrity over the convenience of blending in or bending to external pressures. His faithfulness to God's laws is non-negotiable, even when it puts him at odds with the prevailing culture or puts his life at risk.
3. God Completely: In the face of mortal danger, Daniel trusts God's sovereignty. He doesn't try to argue his way out of the den or compromise to save his skin. His trust in God is complete and absolute.

What Daniel Doesn’t Do:

1. for Safety: Daniel doesn't alter his behavior to avoid confrontation or danger. He doesn’t hide his faith to fit in or save himself.
2. in Fear: Despite the very real threat to his life, Daniel doesn’t let fear dictate his actions. He doesn’t succumb to panic or desperation but maintains a calm and steadfast spirit.
3. Vengeance or Hold Grudges: Even when falsely accused and conspired against, Daniel shows no sign of bitterness or vengeance towards his accusers. One of the most amazing parts of this chapter is that Daniel doesn’t speak at all. He is like a sheep led to the slaughter.

Comparing with Our Actions:

How often do we tailor our faith to fit our circumstances? Are we as committed to our relationship with God in times of trouble as we are in times of peace? In a world filled with moral shortcuts and justifications, do we hold fast to our principles, or do we find ourselves bending under pressure? When faced with our own 'lion's dens', do we trust God's plan, or do we rely on our own understanding and solutions? Finally, how do we react when faced with unfair treatment or hostility because of our faith? Do we respond with anger and bitterness, or with grace and forgiveness?

Reflecting on Daniel’s life challenges us to evaluate our own. It prompts us to ask hard questions about our faith, integrity, and trust in God. But this isn't meant to discourage us; rather, it's an invitation to grow, to align our actions more closely with our beliefs, and to become beacons of God’s faithfulness in our world.

Seeing Christ in Daniel’s Faithfulness

As we draw this sermon to a close, let’s turn our eyes to Jesus Christ, seeing in Daniel a foreshadowing of the ultimate act of faithfulness. Daniel in the lion's den is a powerful image, but it pales in comparison to Christ on the cross. Where Daniel was delivered from the mouth of lions, Christ willingly went into the jaws of death for us.

Just as Daniel was unwavering in his obedience to God, Christ was perfectly obedient, even unto death. His life was a testament to absolute devotion to the Father’s will. Christ entered the most daunting 'den' – the cross – bearing our sins and facing the ultimate penalty that we deserved. He did this not because He was powerless to avoid it, but because it was the only way to redeem us. In Daniel's story, God shuts the lions' mouths and delivers Daniel. In Christ’s story, God goes further – He conquers death itself. Christ's resurrection is our assurance of victory over sin and death.

Understanding Our Salvation:

This parallel gives us a deeper understanding of our salvation. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate demonstration of faithfulness – a faithfulness that secures our forgiveness and eternal life. In Christ, we are not only saved but also empowered to live lives that reflect His love and truth.

Let’s strive to live with the integrity, faith, and trust that Daniel showed, knowing that in Christ, we have the perfect example and the enabling grace to do so. Encouraged by Jesus’ sacrifice and victory, let us be bold in our faith, unwavering in our commitment, and steadfast in the face of trials, remembering that our strength comes from Him.

As we go into our week, let's remember that each of us has the opportunity to be a 'Daniel' in our own spheres – at work, in school, in our communities. Let's reflect Christ's love and truth, standing firm in our faith and showing the world the transforming power of God’s grace. I invite you to join in prayer after this service, seeking God’s guidance and strength to live out these truths in our daily lives.

As we leave here today, let’s carry the story of Daniel and the ultimate story of Christ in our hearts, inspired and emboldened to live out our faith with courage and integrity, shining as lights in a world that often feels like a lion’s den. Amen.