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Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. ⁷ The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names:

Daniel was called Belteshazzar.
Hananiah was called Shadrach.
Mishael was called Meshach.
Azariah was called Abednego.

But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. Daniel 1:6-8

Daniel was captured as a young man to serve the King of Babylon, but not once did he consider himself a Babylonian. Everyday, he prayed and communed with God, reading the word and fellowhipping with his God.

In chapter 6:3, we read; Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.

Then in verses 4-5 we watch as an evil conspiracy takes place; Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.  So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.”

So they went before the king and had a law passed that no one could pray to anyone but him for 30 days or they’d be thrown into the lions den. But even in this attempt, Daniel refused to stop praying. Although he honored the king, he would do nothing contrary to Gods Word, even when he knew the punishment was to be thrown into the lions den.

Even this threat of death would not deter Daniel from praying twice a day. He knew that the wisdom he possessed came from God. He knew the gift of dream interpretation came from God. He loved God with all His heart and did not forget the covenant promises of His God.

So the evil conspirators turned him into the king and the king was forced to throw Daniel into the den of hungry lions. Hear what the king said to Daniel before he executed his judgement; The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.”

But the story doesn’t end there, does it? Here’s what happened the next morning from Daniel 6:20-22:

When he (King Darius) got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”

Daniel answered, “Long live the king!  My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”

This man, because of his humble heart, was deeply loved of the Lord and received more vision of future events than any other known prophet but John. Even though a ‘slave’, he made himself available for the plans and purposes of God. He never allowed his captivity to trump his purpose!

Father, hear my prayer this morning. I set my heart on the Lord, to observe Your commandments, to stand in the gap and pray, to honor my husband, my pastors, my city and state officials and the president of our nation.

Most importantly, I will remember that I am a citizen of another Kingdom. I am not of this world because I have been bought by the highest price. I am a Christian by name and the shed blood or Jesus Christ, so I will first and foremost be accountable to my King, Jesus.

I will listen and obey Him. I will not be ashamed of His Word, but will strive to be the best ambassador while here on this earth. Should I fall prey to the evil schemes of the enemy and be falsely accused, I will proclaim “My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”

From the moment I gave my life to Christ, I ceased to live, for it is not I that lives but Christ who lives in me. Galations 2:20

Remember Your Purpose,

Sandy G