1 00:00:00,800 --> 00:00:05,480 Speaker 1: Let us pray. My God hath sent his angel and 2 00:00:05,600 --> 00:00:08,760 Speaker 1: hath shut the lion's mouths, that they have not hurt me, 3 00:00:09,400 --> 00:00:13,400 Speaker 1: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me, and 4 00:00:13,520 --> 00:00:16,920 Speaker 1: also before thee O King, I have done no hurt 5 00:00:18,000 --> 00:00:22,959 Speaker 1: Daniel six twenty two. Thank you, Lord for giving me 6 00:00:23,040 --> 00:00:27,479 Speaker 1: divine favor. Thank you for increasing my favor amongst men 7 00:00:27,600 --> 00:00:32,199 Speaker 1: and women. When others plot my downfall because of my 8 00:00:32,320 --> 00:00:35,519 Speaker 1: divine favor and blessing, I thank you that you have 9 00:00:35,600 --> 00:00:40,080 Speaker 1: already prepared a way for me. In the moments I 10 00:00:40,120 --> 00:00:43,600 Speaker 1: find myself in the pit with the lions of fear, doubt, 11 00:00:43,680 --> 00:00:48,240 Speaker 1: and uncertainty. Like Daniel in to day's reading, I will 12 00:00:48,240 --> 00:00:54,240 Speaker 1: pray and then watch as you shut their mouths. Because 13 00:00:54,240 --> 00:00:58,600 Speaker 1: of your goodness, whoever desired to see my downfall will 14 00:00:58,600 --> 00:01:02,360 Speaker 1: instead be introduced to your saving grace and protection towards 15 00:01:02,400 --> 00:01:07,880 Speaker 1: your children. Because I'm yours, I will use my redemption 16 00:01:08,080 --> 00:01:12,240 Speaker 1: and elevation to bring praise, honor, and glory to your name. 17 00:01:14,080 --> 00:01:18,160 Speaker 1: You are the God that protects, and this truth will 18 00:01:18,200 --> 00:01:26,160 Speaker 1: never change. In Jesus' name, Amen, thank you for praying 19 00:01:26,160 --> 00:01:29,959 Speaker 1: with us today. Continue your time with God by listening 20 00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:33,440 Speaker 1: to Today's Bible Story brought to you by Bible in 21 00:01:33,520 --> 00:01:35,199 Speaker 1: a Year dot com. 22 00:01:35,760 --> 00:01:38,880 Speaker 2: It's time to take back freedom over your healthcare. This 23 00:01:39,000 --> 00:01:43,200 Speaker 2: open enrollment learn more about how Christian health Care Ministries 24 00:01:43,520 --> 00:01:47,280 Speaker 2: of faith based alternative to health insurance empowers you with 25 00:01:47,480 --> 00:01:52,200 Speaker 2: choice as you make medical decisions. Discover flexibility to pick 26 00:01:52,240 --> 00:01:55,840 Speaker 2: your providers with programs as low as ninety two dollars 27 00:01:55,880 --> 00:01:59,400 Speaker 2: per month plus. When you prep ahead, you can have 28 00:01:59,520 --> 00:02:03,240 Speaker 2: the peace of mind as you're surrounded in spiritual support. 29 00:02:03,720 --> 00:02:07,559 Speaker 2: So what are you waiting for? Start saving today? Enroll 30 00:02:07,760 --> 00:02:19,399 Speaker 2: at ch ministries dot org slash prey. 31 00:02:21,080 --> 00:02:25,560 Speaker 3: Daniel and the Lions Den and our last story. We 32 00:02:25,560 --> 00:02:29,880 Speaker 3: were introduced to King Belshazzar, the son of King Nebuconezzer. 33 00:02:30,560 --> 00:02:32,840 Speaker 3: He carried the pride of a prince that did not 34 00:02:33,000 --> 00:02:36,480 Speaker 3: earn his throne. He threw lavish parties for the nobles 35 00:02:36,480 --> 00:02:39,760 Speaker 3: of Babylon and defiled the vessels taken from the temple 36 00:02:39,800 --> 00:02:43,280 Speaker 3: of God. He trifled with the maker of heaven and Earth, 37 00:02:43,760 --> 00:02:48,560 Speaker 3: and was not left unpunished. As Daniel foretold, his kingdom 38 00:02:48,639 --> 00:02:53,000 Speaker 3: was stripped from him, and the Persians seized Babylon for themselves. 39 00:02:53,800 --> 00:02:57,760 Speaker 3: Now we are introduced to King Darius, King of Persia. 40 00:02:57,880 --> 00:03:01,960 Speaker 3: He elevates Daniel to a high position. However, Daniel becomes 41 00:03:01,960 --> 00:03:06,040 Speaker 3: the object of other leader's jealousy. Daniel's favor will be 42 00:03:06,120 --> 00:03:09,680 Speaker 3: shown before the whole nation as God protects him from 43 00:03:09,680 --> 00:03:13,280 Speaker 3: the lion's den Inspired by the Book of. 44 00:03:13,320 --> 00:03:18,520 Speaker 4: Daniel, thank you for joining us for today's episode of 45 00:03:18,520 --> 00:03:21,880 Speaker 4: the Bible in a year. This is Pastor Jack Graham. 46 00:03:22,240 --> 00:03:24,800 Speaker 4: In our last episode, we heard how God sent a 47 00:03:24,840 --> 00:03:28,280 Speaker 4: message to King Belshazar. It was a message of judgment 48 00:03:28,440 --> 00:03:32,440 Speaker 4: and death because he failed to humble himself. Before the 49 00:03:32,480 --> 00:03:37,040 Speaker 4: Lord Babylon fell to an outside enemy and Belshazzar's life 50 00:03:37,120 --> 00:03:42,080 Speaker 4: was ended, Daniel maintained a position of power. Righteous. Daniel's 51 00:03:42,160 --> 00:03:45,120 Speaker 4: influence even in the midst of all of this would 52 00:03:45,160 --> 00:03:48,600 Speaker 4: continue as God would make his own name known to 53 00:03:48,680 --> 00:03:52,480 Speaker 4: the nations. Today we'll hear how Daniels served King Darius 54 00:03:52,520 --> 00:03:55,720 Speaker 4: and earned his trust. Yet Darius would listen to the 55 00:03:55,760 --> 00:03:58,440 Speaker 4: counsel of wicked men seeking to get rid of Daniel. 56 00:03:59,080 --> 00:04:02,800 Speaker 4: He therefore few issues a decree that places Daniel in 57 00:04:02,920 --> 00:04:06,360 Speaker 4: danger of death. But God's hand of protection will be 58 00:04:06,440 --> 00:04:10,280 Speaker 4: upon Daniel. It's a powerful story of God's power Before 59 00:04:10,360 --> 00:04:14,120 Speaker 4: an entire nation. It's one of the most famous stories 60 00:04:14,120 --> 00:04:18,119 Speaker 4: in the Bible, Daniel and the Lions den Let's listen 61 00:04:18,160 --> 00:04:19,840 Speaker 4: to that story in God's word. 62 00:04:19,880 --> 00:04:25,359 Speaker 3: Today, the Persian Empire stretched its wide arms over the 63 00:04:25,440 --> 00:04:29,800 Speaker 3: land of Babylon. Its rule was like the sun, covering 64 00:04:29,839 --> 00:04:34,680 Speaker 3: the entire nation with intensity. King Darius, the lesser king 65 00:04:34,720 --> 00:04:38,719 Speaker 3: of the Medes, assumed the throne of Babylon. Darius is 66 00:04:38,760 --> 00:04:42,279 Speaker 3: not like King Belshazar. He was wise and open to 67 00:04:42,360 --> 00:04:46,159 Speaker 3: the knowledge of Daniel and other Jewish scholars. He leaned 68 00:04:46,200 --> 00:04:50,640 Speaker 3: on Daniel's experience with governing the exiles and elevated him 69 00:04:50,680 --> 00:04:52,960 Speaker 3: as one of the one hundred and twenty say traps 70 00:04:53,000 --> 00:04:56,760 Speaker 3: to rule over Babylon. Of these say traps, three were 71 00:04:56,800 --> 00:05:00,040 Speaker 3: appointed to rule over them. Daniel quickly gained any a 72 00:05:00,200 --> 00:05:03,400 Speaker 3: favor to be one of these three. He was distinguished 73 00:05:03,440 --> 00:05:06,320 Speaker 3: above them, and the spirit of God shone on him. 74 00:05:06,760 --> 00:05:09,400 Speaker 3: It was not long before King Darius was willing to 75 00:05:09,400 --> 00:05:13,400 Speaker 3: set Daniel in charge of the whole kingdom. As Daniel 76 00:05:13,440 --> 00:05:16,880 Speaker 3: grew in favor and wisdom, the other high officials grew 77 00:05:16,920 --> 00:05:21,240 Speaker 3: in jealous rage. They teemed with anger against Daniel. They 78 00:05:21,279 --> 00:05:24,120 Speaker 3: sought to undermine him in front of the king. They 79 00:05:24,160 --> 00:05:27,200 Speaker 3: watched him carefully and set men to spy on him. 80 00:05:27,640 --> 00:05:30,320 Speaker 3: There looked for any form of corruption in him, but 81 00:05:30,400 --> 00:05:34,480 Speaker 3: could find none. Daniel was blameless in all his dealings. 82 00:05:34,839 --> 00:05:37,800 Speaker 3: There were no secrets to be exploited or lies to 83 00:05:37,839 --> 00:05:42,200 Speaker 3: be exposed. Late at night, the leaders conspired against him. 84 00:05:42,560 --> 00:05:45,800 Speaker 3: There are no grounds for complaints against him. One yelled, 85 00:05:46,160 --> 00:05:48,360 Speaker 3: what if we made up a reason? What if we 86 00:05:48,440 --> 00:05:51,479 Speaker 3: created a law that we knew he would break? The 87 00:05:51,560 --> 00:05:55,359 Speaker 3: other whispered. They thought carefully about how to trap Daniel. 88 00:05:55,960 --> 00:05:58,680 Speaker 3: The only thing they could think to exploit was his 89 00:05:58,760 --> 00:06:03,400 Speaker 3: faithfulness to God. God. It was dawn and King Darius 90 00:06:03,480 --> 00:06:05,919 Speaker 3: was enjoying his mourning in the gardens of the palace. 91 00:06:06,640 --> 00:06:09,440 Speaker 3: Darius was a better king than most, but he still 92 00:06:09,520 --> 00:06:13,440 Speaker 3: lacked a knowledge and reverence for the Lord. Therefore, he 93 00:06:13,560 --> 00:06:17,400 Speaker 3: was vulnerable to self worship and pride. His men knew 94 00:06:17,440 --> 00:06:20,240 Speaker 3: this and approached him with a plan to use Darius 95 00:06:20,279 --> 00:06:23,200 Speaker 3: against Daniel. The two of them met the king in 96 00:06:23,240 --> 00:06:27,560 Speaker 3: the garden and bowed before him, Our King, live forever. 97 00:06:28,200 --> 00:06:31,800 Speaker 3: You are truly worthy of our praise and affection. Their 98 00:06:31,839 --> 00:06:35,560 Speaker 3: words pleased Darius. All of the high officials have been 99 00:06:35,600 --> 00:06:39,000 Speaker 3: speaking of your greatness. We believe it should be admonished 100 00:06:39,000 --> 00:06:42,680 Speaker 3: before all the people of Babylon. Let us create a holiday. 101 00:06:43,200 --> 00:06:46,279 Speaker 3: For thirty days, we are to worship no god except 102 00:06:46,320 --> 00:06:50,480 Speaker 3: for you. The king was interested. How would we enforce 103 00:06:50,520 --> 00:06:54,599 Speaker 3: such a law, he asked, simple, they replied, If anyone 104 00:06:54,680 --> 00:06:57,960 Speaker 3: is caught praying to or worshiping any god besides you, 105 00:06:58,680 --> 00:07:01,520 Speaker 3: then they will be sent into the lions dead. We 106 00:07:01,560 --> 00:07:04,160 Speaker 3: will order our guards to keep a close watch on 107 00:07:04,200 --> 00:07:08,040 Speaker 3: the whole nation. This idea thrilled the king, so he 108 00:07:08,080 --> 00:07:10,679 Speaker 3: made an official decree that for the next thirty days, 109 00:07:10,720 --> 00:07:14,040 Speaker 3: no other god shall be worshiped but him. A few 110 00:07:14,080 --> 00:07:16,960 Speaker 3: days passed and the same leaders came to Darius in 111 00:07:17,000 --> 00:07:21,960 Speaker 3: his palace. They wore grim faces and feigned dread our king. 112 00:07:22,320 --> 00:07:25,640 Speaker 3: We have terrible news, they said, trying to hold back 113 00:07:25,680 --> 00:07:30,160 Speaker 3: their smiles. Daniel, the exile from Judah, continues to pray 114 00:07:30,200 --> 00:07:33,680 Speaker 3: to his God three times a day. When the king 115 00:07:33,760 --> 00:07:37,360 Speaker 3: heard these words, he was greatly troubled. Daniel was his 116 00:07:37,400 --> 00:07:40,920 Speaker 3: most trusted servant and the wisest governor under his rule. 117 00:07:41,480 --> 00:07:43,600 Speaker 3: He purposed in his heart to find a way to 118 00:07:43,680 --> 00:07:47,360 Speaker 3: relieve Daniel of his punishment, But there were no loopholes 119 00:07:47,400 --> 00:07:50,440 Speaker 3: in his decree, Plus, he could not look weak in 120 00:07:50,440 --> 00:07:54,480 Speaker 3: front of the other Satraps Darius did not sleep that night. 121 00:07:54,840 --> 00:07:58,000 Speaker 3: He grieved what he had to do to Daniel, and he, 122 00:07:58,080 --> 00:08:00,680 Speaker 3: deep down knew that it was his own pride that 123 00:08:00,680 --> 00:08:03,960 Speaker 3: would kill his friend. The next day looked as though 124 00:08:04,000 --> 00:08:07,560 Speaker 3: the sun never rose. Dark clouds covered the sky, and 125 00:08:07,640 --> 00:08:11,800 Speaker 3: the King's heart ached with regret Daniel. The leaders of 126 00:08:11,840 --> 00:08:15,239 Speaker 3: Babylon and the guards escorted Daniel to the lion's den. 127 00:08:15,880 --> 00:08:19,600 Speaker 3: Daniel did not struggle, and he did not protest. He 128 00:08:19,680 --> 00:08:22,920 Speaker 3: walked with them with his head held high. A rumbling 129 00:08:22,920 --> 00:08:26,240 Speaker 3: could be heard from the lion's den. Their roars shook 130 00:08:26,320 --> 00:08:29,880 Speaker 3: the earth below him. The color had left the king's face. 131 00:08:30,400 --> 00:08:34,120 Speaker 3: He looked more worried than Daniel did before Daniel was 132 00:08:34,160 --> 00:08:37,440 Speaker 3: sent in. The king embraced him and said, may your 133 00:08:37,440 --> 00:08:40,720 Speaker 3: God protect you. The two men looked at one another. 134 00:08:41,280 --> 00:08:45,000 Speaker 3: Daniel could see the pain in Darrius's eyes. He smiled 135 00:08:45,040 --> 00:08:48,240 Speaker 3: and allowed himself to be thrown deep into the lion's den. 136 00:08:49,000 --> 00:08:51,839 Speaker 3: The lions were deep within the den, and Daniel could 137 00:08:51,880 --> 00:08:55,360 Speaker 3: see the light reflecting against their eyes. Then, as the 138 00:08:55,400 --> 00:08:58,200 Speaker 3: stone of the den was rolled over, the entrance, all 139 00:08:58,240 --> 00:09:02,600 Speaker 3: went black. Daniel's eyes had not yet adjusted to the darkness. 140 00:09:03,280 --> 00:09:05,680 Speaker 3: He bent his knees to gain better footing. He was 141 00:09:05,720 --> 00:09:09,840 Speaker 3: prepared to fight, or to submit, or to pray. He 142 00:09:09,920 --> 00:09:12,840 Speaker 3: did not know which would be called for first. The 143 00:09:12,880 --> 00:09:15,320 Speaker 3: low growls of the lions echoed off the walls of 144 00:09:15,360 --> 00:09:19,160 Speaker 3: the den. The sound rumbled the earth. He could feel 145 00:09:19,200 --> 00:09:22,760 Speaker 3: their roars in his chest. Daniel began to see shapes 146 00:09:22,800 --> 00:09:26,679 Speaker 3: against the walls around him. Finally, his eyes were adjusting 147 00:09:26,679 --> 00:09:30,680 Speaker 3: to the light. The shadows moved around him. Daniel shifted 148 00:09:30,720 --> 00:09:33,320 Speaker 3: to the left and then to the right. The lions 149 00:09:33,320 --> 00:09:36,679 Speaker 3: were surrounding him. Daniel prayed to the Lord in his mind. 150 00:09:37,240 --> 00:09:39,800 Speaker 3: He knew that any word could set the lions pouncing. 151 00:09:40,400 --> 00:09:42,480 Speaker 3: He looked to his left and saw the largest of 152 00:09:42,520 --> 00:09:45,400 Speaker 3: the lions crouching next to him. It was getting ready 153 00:09:45,440 --> 00:09:49,120 Speaker 3: to pounce, as its hind legs bent back like a spring. 154 00:09:49,640 --> 00:09:53,040 Speaker 3: A bright light broke through the darkness. It was blinding, 155 00:09:53,440 --> 00:09:55,880 Speaker 3: and Daniel could hear the painful roars of the lions 156 00:09:55,920 --> 00:09:59,400 Speaker 3: scraping back against the wall. Daniel fell to his knees, 157 00:09:59,559 --> 00:10:02,720 Speaker 3: barely able to see what was happening. The darkness was 158 00:10:02,760 --> 00:10:05,600 Speaker 3: cut in half with light like a sword through flesh, 159 00:10:05,720 --> 00:10:10,120 Speaker 3: and Daniel saw each lion cowering in fear. The lions 160 00:10:10,160 --> 00:10:12,880 Speaker 3: hissed and roared at the light, but were soon quieted 161 00:10:12,960 --> 00:10:17,040 Speaker 3: as their jaws were forced to shut. Then, in an instant, 162 00:10:17,120 --> 00:10:21,640 Speaker 3: the light vanished. All returned to darkness, and Daniel sat 163 00:10:21,679 --> 00:10:24,080 Speaker 3: in the middle of the den praying to the Lord. 164 00:10:25,200 --> 00:10:27,400 Speaker 3: It was still night and the sun was a few 165 00:10:27,440 --> 00:10:31,840 Speaker 3: hours from rising. King Darius paced his room, worrying over Daniel. 166 00:10:32,520 --> 00:10:35,800 Speaker 3: He did not eat or sleep all night. Instead, he 167 00:10:35,840 --> 00:10:38,880 Speaker 3: set his mind on the welfare of his friend. He 168 00:10:38,920 --> 00:10:41,160 Speaker 3: waited for the light to break so we could roll 169 00:10:41,200 --> 00:10:43,640 Speaker 3: away the stone of the den. As soon as the 170 00:10:43,720 --> 00:10:46,680 Speaker 3: light touched the bottom of the horizon, Darius put on 171 00:10:46,760 --> 00:10:50,000 Speaker 3: his clothes and rushed to the den. He and all 172 00:10:50,040 --> 00:10:53,400 Speaker 3: the men raced together and pulled away the stone. All 173 00:10:53,520 --> 00:10:57,600 Speaker 3: was silent. Darius approached the entrance to the den. He 174 00:10:57,679 --> 00:11:01,720 Speaker 3: looked down and listened for any sound. He could hear nothing. 175 00:11:02,679 --> 00:11:07,120 Speaker 3: He became worried and shouted, Daniel, servant of the Living God, 176 00:11:07,640 --> 00:11:11,280 Speaker 3: has your God delivered you from the lions. There was 177 00:11:11,320 --> 00:11:15,840 Speaker 3: a long pause. Darius's heart was beating fast. Then a 178 00:11:15,920 --> 00:11:20,480 Speaker 3: small voice echoed up to the entrance, O King live forever. 179 00:11:21,080 --> 00:11:24,320 Speaker 3: Of course I am safe, for I was blameless. My 180 00:11:24,480 --> 00:11:29,160 Speaker 3: Lord upheld me and shut the mouths of lions. Darius 181 00:11:29,240 --> 00:11:31,520 Speaker 3: let out a sigh of relief and ordered his men 182 00:11:31,559 --> 00:11:33,760 Speaker 3: to send a rope to bring him up from the den. 183 00:11:34,520 --> 00:11:37,680 Speaker 3: Daniel was brought back into the light. The king embraced 184 00:11:37,760 --> 00:11:39,840 Speaker 3: him and then looked back at the men who had 185 00:11:39,840 --> 00:11:44,800 Speaker 3: accused Daniel. The king's rage burned against them. Immediately they 186 00:11:44,800 --> 00:11:48,120 Speaker 3: were taken. The guards grabbed them and threw them into 187 00:11:48,120 --> 00:11:50,760 Speaker 3: the lion's den. It took no time at all for 188 00:11:50,800 --> 00:11:53,600 Speaker 3: the lions to pounce and tear the men into them. 189 00:11:54,360 --> 00:11:57,320 Speaker 3: Their cries burst through the whole of the den. The 190 00:11:57,360 --> 00:12:00,840 Speaker 3: sound of ripping flesh and bloody screams the air for 191 00:12:00,880 --> 00:12:05,720 Speaker 3: a moment, and all was silent again. Darius praised Daniel 192 00:12:05,840 --> 00:12:09,480 Speaker 3: and his God. He was another king that was humbled 193 00:12:09,559 --> 00:12:12,400 Speaker 3: by the favor of God on a faithful servant. 194 00:12:16,080 --> 00:12:19,160 Speaker 4: We begin today's reading with King Darius as ruler in 195 00:12:19,240 --> 00:12:23,800 Speaker 4: the land. Unlike Belshazar, he is thirsty for knowledge and understanding, 196 00:12:24,200 --> 00:12:26,800 Speaker 4: and he's willing to lean on others for help in 197 00:12:26,920 --> 00:12:31,360 Speaker 4: ruling the people. God's great favor was upon Daniel, and 198 00:12:31,440 --> 00:12:34,440 Speaker 4: he is soon elevated to a very prominent position, so 199 00:12:34,640 --> 00:12:39,600 Speaker 4: prominent that he was among three of King Darius's closest advisers, 200 00:12:40,360 --> 00:12:44,319 Speaker 4: and he was a standout among those. God's spirit, an 201 00:12:44,320 --> 00:12:48,559 Speaker 4: excellent spirit, rested upon Daniel. Of course, when God is 202 00:12:48,600 --> 00:12:52,080 Speaker 4: at work, the enemy does not rest. It's been said, 203 00:12:52,080 --> 00:12:54,800 Speaker 4: when God opens the windows of heaven to bless us, 204 00:12:54,880 --> 00:12:58,679 Speaker 4: then the devil opens the doors of hell to blast us. 205 00:12:59,360 --> 00:13:04,400 Speaker 4: Daniel's sucess provoke jealousy among other powerful officials. And while 206 00:13:04,520 --> 00:13:07,239 Speaker 4: Daniel acted in the interest of the king and ultimately 207 00:13:07,720 --> 00:13:11,440 Speaker 4: the King of glory, God's glory, others were interested in 208 00:13:11,520 --> 00:13:16,679 Speaker 4: exalting themselves, and that would require taking Daniel out. But 209 00:13:16,880 --> 00:13:20,520 Speaker 4: try as they might, he was above reproach. It is 210 00:13:20,559 --> 00:13:23,840 Speaker 4: a powerful reminder that when we are doing God's will, 211 00:13:24,160 --> 00:13:27,440 Speaker 4: there will be a tax. When we live in integrity, 212 00:13:27,640 --> 00:13:31,000 Speaker 4: we must be vigilant not to give the enemy a place. 213 00:13:32,280 --> 00:13:35,920 Speaker 4: The Bible says, don't give the devil a foothold. The 214 00:13:36,000 --> 00:13:38,920 Speaker 4: only thing the other officials could imagine as a weakness 215 00:13:39,000 --> 00:13:42,959 Speaker 4: was Daniel's devotion to God. Can you imagine that they 216 00:13:43,000 --> 00:13:46,600 Speaker 4: thought his weakness is his love and devotion to God. 217 00:13:47,040 --> 00:13:49,839 Speaker 4: He was a man of deep faith and conviction, and 218 00:13:50,200 --> 00:13:53,000 Speaker 4: they knew he would not bow to any false God, 219 00:13:53,280 --> 00:13:57,360 Speaker 4: not even a king. So they concocted a plan. It 220 00:13:57,480 --> 00:14:02,240 Speaker 4: was devious as it was clever. They appealed to darius 221 00:14:02,280 --> 00:14:05,840 Speaker 4: own pride and filled his head with flattery. He was king, 222 00:14:05,920 --> 00:14:08,680 Speaker 4: after all, and kings were to be worshiped like God's. 223 00:14:09,360 --> 00:14:13,040 Speaker 4: So they proposed a thirty day celebration of his majesty, 224 00:14:13,640 --> 00:14:15,960 Speaker 4: and during that time no other God was to be 225 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:21,320 Speaker 4: worshiped but Darius. He fell for it, so the decree 226 00:14:21,440 --> 00:14:24,120 Speaker 4: was signed that anyone caught worshiping a God other than 227 00:14:24,200 --> 00:14:26,920 Speaker 4: Darius for the next thirty days would be thrown into 228 00:14:26,960 --> 00:14:30,360 Speaker 4: a den of ravenous lions. It was a death penalty 229 00:14:30,640 --> 00:14:35,080 Speaker 4: with no hope of escape. Now Daniel had some choices. 230 00:14:36,320 --> 00:14:39,600 Speaker 4: He could have just yielded to the pressure and appeased 231 00:14:39,600 --> 00:14:41,960 Speaker 4: the king for a month. Who would know, who would care? 232 00:14:42,840 --> 00:14:46,040 Speaker 4: But this was no choice at all. He resolved long 233 00:14:46,080 --> 00:14:49,680 Speaker 4: ago to have no other gods between himself and the 234 00:14:49,760 --> 00:14:53,440 Speaker 4: Lord God. He could just worship God in private, hiding 235 00:14:53,480 --> 00:14:57,720 Speaker 4: away for safety. That was another alternative method, but that 236 00:14:57,920 --> 00:15:00,800 Speaker 4: was not good either. He was not a cow. He 237 00:15:00,880 --> 00:15:05,040 Speaker 4: was courageous and feared no one. So Daniel did exactly 238 00:15:05,080 --> 00:15:09,320 Speaker 4: what he always did, not for show, but for prayer. 239 00:15:09,720 --> 00:15:15,080 Speaker 4: He opened his windows upstairs, kneeling facing Jerusalem, worshiping God 240 00:15:15,360 --> 00:15:18,960 Speaker 4: for all to see who desired to see. I wonder 241 00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:21,800 Speaker 4: how many of us would have had this kind of courage, 242 00:15:21,840 --> 00:15:24,240 Speaker 4: that we would dare to be a Daniel, just like 243 00:15:24,320 --> 00:15:27,560 Speaker 4: this great man, praising God, even if it might cost 244 00:15:27,640 --> 00:15:32,720 Speaker 4: us our life. There are countless Christians who faced persecution 245 00:15:32,880 --> 00:15:36,840 Speaker 4: in the world today, and some even have to worship 246 00:15:36,880 --> 00:15:41,280 Speaker 4: God in secret. But Daniel's calling was different and unique. 247 00:15:41,360 --> 00:15:44,560 Speaker 4: He obeyed and remained faithful and fervent in his faith. 248 00:15:45,720 --> 00:15:49,000 Speaker 4: These evil officials got just what they wanted and quickly 249 00:15:49,040 --> 00:15:52,520 Speaker 4: turned him into Darius, who realized too late the big 250 00:15:52,600 --> 00:15:55,440 Speaker 4: mistake that he had made. He knew very well that 251 00:15:55,560 --> 00:15:58,760 Speaker 4: Daniel worshiped only God, but he was blinded by his 252 00:15:58,840 --> 00:16:03,840 Speaker 4: own desire for fame and fortune and adoration. A Persian 253 00:16:03,920 --> 00:16:07,520 Speaker 4: law forbid even a king from changing his decree. Perhaps 254 00:16:07,560 --> 00:16:11,560 Speaker 4: you've heard of the law of the Medes and the Persians, 255 00:16:12,000 --> 00:16:15,560 Speaker 4: so there was no escape. Darius gave the order for 256 00:16:15,680 --> 00:16:18,400 Speaker 4: Daniel to be thrown into the lions den, but we 257 00:16:18,520 --> 00:16:21,600 Speaker 4: see his heart already hopeful that God would save this 258 00:16:21,680 --> 00:16:25,680 Speaker 4: innocent man. He says this to Daniel in chapter six, 259 00:16:25,920 --> 00:16:30,360 Speaker 4: verse sixteen, May your God, whom you serve, continually rescue you. 260 00:16:31,960 --> 00:16:36,440 Speaker 4: The King knew that only God could rescue Daniel, so 261 00:16:36,680 --> 00:16:39,600 Speaker 4: the next morning, when he checked on Daniel, the response 262 00:16:39,680 --> 00:16:42,560 Speaker 4: came from below. God had sent an angel to shut 263 00:16:42,560 --> 00:16:46,040 Speaker 4: the lion's mouths, just as his friend Shadrak Meshak and 264 00:16:46,080 --> 00:16:49,040 Speaker 4: a Bendigo had been saved in the Fiery furnished years ago, 265 00:16:49,560 --> 00:16:54,200 Speaker 4: God rescued Daniel. What a miracle. So the King glorified 266 00:16:54,240 --> 00:16:58,160 Speaker 4: God and saying the praises of Yahweh. The officials who 267 00:16:58,240 --> 00:17:02,000 Speaker 4: conspired to kill Daniel are thrown into the den of lions. 268 00:17:02,320 --> 00:17:06,520 Speaker 4: Once again, God is not maught. What a person sows, 269 00:17:06,720 --> 00:17:11,000 Speaker 4: that person reaps. These evil men sowed lies, and so 270 00:17:11,160 --> 00:17:14,639 Speaker 4: they lived and died by their life, and God's greatness 271 00:17:14,720 --> 00:17:17,600 Speaker 4: was once again shown to his people and everyone and 272 00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:20,760 Speaker 4: all of the land. Surely God has the power to 273 00:17:20,800 --> 00:17:24,879 Speaker 4: save his own. We live in God's protection always, And 274 00:17:25,040 --> 00:17:27,960 Speaker 4: in our next reading we'll hear how he begins to 275 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:32,439 Speaker 4: restore the exiled Israelites to their land. Dear God, we 276 00:17:32,560 --> 00:17:35,399 Speaker 4: thank you that your word says no weapon formed against 277 00:17:35,480 --> 00:17:38,879 Speaker 4: us will prosper. We praise you for your goodness and 278 00:17:38,920 --> 00:17:41,640 Speaker 4: grace in our lives to keep us alive until our 279 00:17:41,680 --> 00:17:44,960 Speaker 4: time comes to be with you. Help us to courageously, 280 00:17:45,359 --> 00:17:48,879 Speaker 4: boldly pray and serve you, and commit our lives to 281 00:17:48,960 --> 00:17:52,600 Speaker 4: do everything in your will, regardless of the cost or 282 00:17:52,640 --> 00:17:57,840 Speaker 4: the consequences. May we obey you and leave the consequences 283 00:17:57,920 --> 00:18:02,920 Speaker 4: there help us to trust you completely. Amen. Once again, 284 00:18:03,000 --> 00:18:06,240 Speaker 4: thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast. 285 00:18:06,720 --> 00:18:10,440 Speaker 4: I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Let me encourage 286 00:18:10,440 --> 00:18:13,560 Speaker 4: you to download the pray dot Com app and make 287 00:18:13,840 --> 00:18:17,840 Speaker 4: Bible study and prayer a real priority in your life. 288 00:18:18,040 --> 00:18:21,480 Speaker 4: And if you are enjoying this podcast, share it with 289 00:18:21,560 --> 00:18:24,840 Speaker 4: someone you know, someone you care about, because sharing God's 290 00:18:24,880 --> 00:18:29,040 Speaker 4: word has a powerful impact upon people's lives. And if 291 00:18:29,080 --> 00:18:33,080 Speaker 4: you want more resources as to how you can find faith, 292 00:18:33,520 --> 00:18:36,880 Speaker 4: grow in your faith, develop as a disciple and follower 293 00:18:36,920 --> 00:18:40,159 Speaker 4: of Jesus, be sure to visit me at Jack Graham 294 00:18:40,359 --> 00:18:43,800 Speaker 4: dot org. We have plenty of resources that will encourage 295 00:18:43,800 --> 00:18:46,960 Speaker 4: you and equip you for life. God bless you.