Reading 95 • December 18
Today's Scripture
Daniel 6:16–28
Then the king gave the command, and Daniel was brought and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you faithfully serve, deliver you!” 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, so that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.
Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no food was brought to him, and sleep fled from him. Then, at break of day, the king got up and hurried to the den of lions. When he came near the den where Daniel was, he cried out anxiously to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you faithfully serve been able to deliver you from the lions?” Daniel then said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no wrong.” 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. The king gave a command, and those who had accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions — they, their children, and their wives. Before they reached the bottom of the den the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces.
Then King Darius wrote to all peoples and nations of every language throughout the whole world: “May you have abundant prosperity! I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: For he is the living God, enduring forever. His kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion has no end. He delivers and rescues, he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth; for he has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.” So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. (NRSV)
Reflection
This well-known story is a favorite one to share for Sunday School. God saved Daniel from being eaten by lions because Daniel was faithful to God! What is often missed is how Daniel ended up in that predicament. He got a promotion to run the king’s entire empire. This caused jealousy, backstabbing, and plotting by other employees of the kingdom. Because Daniel did his job well and with integrity, there was nothing the other employees could target to stop the promotion. Instead, they went after his personal life and whom he chose to worship.
Unfortunately this scenario continues in our current systems. When a person’s performance or work ethic cannot be ridiculed, their character is criticized. Whether that is in the spaces we live in or on social media, it can be difficult to stand firm in our beliefs and practices, especially when we’re attacked for who we are or whom we worship. Just before this passage, we learn that Daniel knew the stakes and still stayed true to who he was and whom he worshiped. He prayed with intention and suffered the consequences. This level of belief is either foolish or exemplary.
While people today may not get thrown into a lions’ den, they may run into gatekeeping, glass ceilings, trending negatively, or being shut out of certain circles. As a follower of the Risen Christ, I can follow the Spirit’s lead and shut the lions’ mouths as I stand up for others who are being silenced or ignored. Like Daniel, I can trust that God will show up in ways I cannot yet imagine.
Prayer
Spirit, may my heart trust you like Daniel did. May I be steadfast and committed in how I follow you in practical ways. May I love freely, passionately, and with determination the others around me. Amen.
Written by Nance Bartell, Director of Youth and Young Adults
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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