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Theological Proposition/Focus: No matter the cost we must pray

Homiletical Proposition/Application: No matter the cost we must pray

Introduction:

Image: Consistency matters

Setting the Stage:

The book of Daniel accounts for just between one and two percent of the Bible. Yet, there are two or three of the most recognizable stories in the Bible contained in Daniel. One of the most recognizable stories in Daniel is probably the story of Daniel and the Lions Den. The dedication of Daniel, the trickery of the enemy, the unlikelihood of hope, and the joy of deliverance make for a wonderful Sunday School story. Moreover, the classic Sunday school answer "God did" fits so well. To whom did Daniel pray? Who delivered Daniel? Who was watching over Daniel? It all works wonderfully and it all really happened. But today, I want us to go further. As we look at this classic story I want us to realize that this is no allegory, it really happened but also the same story plays out all the time in the life of a Christian.

Need: We must discipline ourselves to faithfully exercise the godly rhythms of life.

Preview: today I want you to see that the enemy really is working to pull you away from the normal rhythms of godly behavior and while many fall for the tricks we are called to remain faithful.

Text: Daniel 6:1-26 all at the beginning

So, we have our classic narrative of Daniel and the Lions Den.

The text begins with the phrase "it pleased Darius." Well of course it did, that is why Darius did it, so why mention it? It has been suggested by a few commentators that this phrase is intended to remind us of Daniel 4:2 and take us back to Nebuchadnezzar^[1]. Nebuchadnezzar is no longer on the throne but in God's grand plan, who is on the throne is irrelevant. God again is at work and Daniel is again rising to significance.

As Daniel gained favor with the king, his fellow administrators became jealous and sought to find a way to discredit him. Unable to find anything wrong in Daniel they turn to trickery. These jealous administrators convinced King Darius to issue a decree forbidding anyone from making petitions to any god or man for thirty days except to the king himself. Violation of this decree was to be punished by being thrown into a den of lions.

Despite the decree, Daniel continued to pray to his God three times a day, as was his customary practice. The jealous administrators caught Daniel in the act and reported him to the king. Although Darius admired Daniel, he was bound by his own decree and reluctantly ordered Daniel to be thrown into the lions' den. However, the king expressed hope and faith in Daniel's God, saying, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you." Daniel was cast into the den, and a stone was placed over the opening and sealed with the king's signet ring.

Miraculously, the next morning, when the king went to the den, he found Daniel unharmed. God had sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths, preventing them from harming Daniel. Overjoyed and relieved, King Darius praised the God of Daniel, declaring His sovereignty and everlasting dominion.

In response to this miraculous deliverance, King Darius punished the conspirators who had falsely accused Daniel by throwing them, along with their families, into the lions' den.

What we typically use Daniel for is a story of faithfulness and God's protection. And it is, the story of Daniel and the Lions' Den stands as a testament to unwavering faith and God's protective power. However, there is more to this story if we dive deeper.

Body

Instead of doing a verse by verse study today I am going to introduce you to three archetypes of characters present in Daniel 6. The first is the enemy. What I want you to see is that

The enemy takes steps to disrupt normal godly rhythms of life.

What is written in the text strongly makes it sound like Daniel has some peers who become jealous of Daniel. I don't want to in any way dissuade you of this. There are unsavory characters who conspire against Daniel. However, I also want you to realize that sitting behind the story is a bigger theological picture. The enemy conspires against God and as God's people we find ourselves in the battle. The story of Daniel actually happened but it is also a microcosm of a much bigger story. First Peter 5:8 states "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." The story here in Daniel is a story of faithfulness despite the enemies attempts against us.

As I looked through the story what occurred to me is that there often seem to be patterns or steps to the enemies attempts to disrupt our normal godly rhythms. I think that by looking at these steps we can be better prepared.

Step 1: The enemy has placed his people in key positions (6).

This is an important first step that we can see throughout the Bible. Satan is not dumb and he places key people into key positions. If you look at a list of the kings of Israel and Judah you will quickly find that there are far more bad kings than good kings. Here in Daniel we see that there are, it would seem, 122 well-placed individuals who are seeking to destroy Daniel.

Step 2: The enemy employs subversive means to disrupt godly rhythms (7-8).

We will talk more about Darius later. For now what I want you to realize is that hindsight is 20/20 and it is obvious to us this law is a bad idea. However, to Darius this law seemed like a good idea. Get the kingdom focussed on me. The reality is that this law is nothing short of an attempt to trap one of God's servants. John 8:44 talking of Satan states "He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." Satan does not fight fair. I want you to understand that, Satan does not fight fair! Our enemy will employ deception and subversion to accomplish his goals we need to realize this.

Ultimately, this leads us to step 3.

Step 3: The enemy tricks people into playing into his schemes (9).

At this point you might remind me that The stated goal of these individuals was to find fault with Daniel, not to undermine the entire spiritual system of those who follow God and you would be right. But what I want to suggest to you is that whether Satan was directly involved in this scheme doesn't really matter. The point is that there is a common reality we face. As followers of Jesus we have certain rhythms of life that are important. However, there are those who would stop at nothing, and use any tool available, to hurt God and his people. We must be on guard! As an action step,

MTR: Recognize that the enemy is working to upset a godly lifestyle.

I try not to get into the political realm too often because my priority is to teach the Bible. However, I will say, this action step is very applicable this year. There are leaders who are seeking to subvert godliness. I frankly, worry about some of the constitutional amendments that are being proposed and would encourage you to read them not with an eye to how this might be a benefit but with an eye to the question, "might this be used like Darius to hurt those who are following God?"

You see, while it is not fair, it is true that the enemy seeks to use people for his own means. In reality, it is the case that

The acquiescent play into the enemies games.

The term "acquiescent" refers to a person or their behavior that is inclined to accept or comply with something without protest or resistance. An acquiescent individual will generally agree or go along with a situation or request without expressing strong objection. It implies a willingness to yield or accept without overtly challenging or opposing. Was Darius acquiescent? It is hard to say exactly but it is clear that the 122 rulers took advantage of Darius and Darius probably should have known better.

We know that

Darius greatly valued Daniel (1-3, 14).

Verse three tells us that Daniel pleased Darius. In fact, in verse 14 the king is described as being "determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him." There is an interesting contrast made between Darius and Daniel. In verse 10 we are told that when Daniel learned of the trap he simply did what he always does, pray. When Darius learned of the trap we find him distraught. Daniel was the one targeted by the law, but Darius was the one trapped by the law^[2].

Here is something I struggle with. I am someone who likes words of encouragement and likes to be liked by all. As a result of this tendency, I often find myself acquiescent. The problem is that sometimes in my acquiescing I find that I have given up the very things I value. I want you to understand that we should be peace makers. Matthew 5:9 states "blessed are the peace makers." However, we cannot sacrifice our deepest values for the sake of making peace.

Maybe Darius allowed external pressures to exercise unduly influence (7).

I have read some who note that Darius had 122 people calling for him to pass this law. Had Darius opposed these leaders he certainly would have made a lot of people upset. Darius may have felt he had no choice. However, feeling like you have no choice is not an excuse for making the wrong choice. In Daniel 6, we see Darius having to give up one of his most valuable assets because he acquiesced. I don't want to be too hard on Darius but I also don't want to be too soft. Darius was surely in a bad position but perhaps it wasn't as bad as he thought.

Image: When "all" the students failed.

One of the hardest aspects of teaching is students. I say that as a joke but really there are some real people struggles. People seek to manipulate. I was always struck after an exam. I remember time after time I would have a few students come up to me and say. "Tom's exam was too hard, everyone in class failed the exam." So, I would pull up the grade book and look, in fact that is not the case, in Tom's class it looks like 3 of the 30 students failed the exam, is it by chance the case that you three are the three who failed?

Seeking to be a peace-maker, seeking to please people, is not strictly a bad thing, but we must understand that we cannot please everyone. We are responsible not to other people but rather to God. Darius gives us an important lesson. Don't let external pressures unduly influence you in life.

Maybe Darius allowed his own pride to get in the way (6, 12).

Pride may have also been a factor in Darius's decision. Look at verses 6 and 12. Both verses 6 and 12 include lots of words of elevation. "May King Darius live forever." "Your Majesty" The 122 appealed to Darius's pride. Now, I don't know if that appeal to pride worked but what I do know is that there is some significant irony. "A law that has as its ostensible purpose the intention to set the king up as an ultimate authority actually imprisons him to its own authority ^[3]."

So, Darius serves as an important reminder we need to

MTR: Pray for wisdom and discernment as you go through life.

Daniel is the hero of this story but Darius is the victim. I really don't think any of you here today fall into the category of enemy. We are seeking not to destroy fellow Christ-followers but rather to serve fellow-Christ followers. However, what I worry about, is that many of us here, myself included, are actually Darius in this story. Are we giving into external pressure and sacrificing that which we should hold strong. In our effort to please everyone are we in fact failing to please the one who matters most?

The faithful turn to God.

I would like to say that Daniel's faith is legendary, but that phrasing makes it seem like maybe the events described int he book of Daniel did not actually happen. No, Daniel's faith is more than legendary, Daniel's faith is real. Think about this for a moment. Daniel, was taken from his homeland as a young man. Daniel was forced to serve in the court of a tyrant but not just one tyrant, several. By the time we get to Daniel 6, Daniel is an old man. Daniel was brought to Babylon in 605 BC. If we estimate that he was 15 at the time then we can guess a birth year for Daniel of 620 BC. The fall of Babylon in Daniel 5 occurred in 539 BC. Since Darius is the king of Daniel 6 we know that Daniel 6 occurred after 539 BC. Hence, by the time we get to Daniel 6 our hero is 79+ years old. To all of you who are retired please understand that the event for which most people know Daniel was an event that occurred well into his sunset years. If you are alive on this earth today then realize that God is not done with you!

Now, Let's think about this man's faith, his consistency. Daniel lived through the reigns of several kings and even the rise and fall of an empire. Daniel was relocated, his name changed, even his language changed. Here I something striking, the only thing that was consistent in Daniel's life was his faith! I have experienced relocation moving from Colorado to Nebraska, I have gone through trials and tribulations, but I have also had stability. I have not experienced forced relocation. I have not seen my nation fall. I have not experienced the overthrow of an empire. I want us to take a second and really reflect on Daniel's consistent faith!

As we reflect on Daniel's faith I am reminded.

Character matters even in the normal rhythms of life (4-5).

In the first 5 verses of chapter 6 we are told that Daniel managed to rise to the top. In the midst of a new ruler and empire, Daniel rose to the top. But, Daniel's rise to the top was different. You see, Daniel rose to the top while maintaining his character. Nothing Daniel did could be used to bring charges against Daniel. There were no skeletons in the closet! As Daniel's enemies dug into his life they consistently found a profound truth. Daniel was exactly who he seemed to be.

I want us to be challenged by this. In the normal course of life we need to be exactly who we seem to be. Let me give some possibly more convicting examples. Does you vocabulary change at home verses at church? What about the shows you watch, would people at church or work be surprised? Are you as patient with your family as you are with your coworkers? If your answer anywhere is "umm...." then don't get upset, but do realize that there is an area in which you can grow. None of us have arrived and we freely admit that, but I do think that many times we plateau because we decide that while I have not arrived, I have hit a point where I am content and it would take an awful lot of work to get further.

I want Daniel's life to challenge us, let's not plateau but instead continue to work on that character. Why was the most significant (or at least memorable) event in Daniel's life north of retirement? My guess, a lot of it had to do with the development of Daniel's character. 79 years of life and growth brought Daniel to this point and God used is wonderfully.

Ok, so now let's move onto a fairly obvious application of the story.

Regardless of the cost, prayer must not be sacrificed (10-13).

While this is an obvious application, it does not mean we shouldn't really dig in here and talk about this. Let's drill down into verse 10.

First, Daniel knew the cost. Daniel was not tricked into praying without knowing there might be consequences. No Daniel full well knew what he might be sacrificing.

Second. Daniel refused to let the cost change his rhythm. The text tells us that Daniel went home to pray just as he had done before.

Third, the details tell us much of Daniel's character. In the past Daniel had prayed upstairs in a place that was visible. Nothing about the text tells us that Daniel did this as a show in the past but probably Daniel simply found a place and manner to pray. Given the place and manner Daniel probably knew others would see him. In fact, Daniel was a smart guy. I suspect Daniel knew that he had been targeted. You can pray anywhere! However, since people were watching, for Daniel to pray anywhere but upstairs would have led those watching to believe Daniel had compromised his faith. So Daniel was faced with a pretty big problem. He could disobey the king publicly, or disobey his God publicly. Daniel chose to disobey the king.

Another factor we must weigh is the significance of praying toward Jerusalem. When Solomon dedicated the temple in 1 Kings 8 he asked God to honor the prayers of exiles toward Jerusalem.

29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 30 Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive. 1 Kings 8:29-30

Solomon's desire was that a wayward people would pray toward Jerusalem and receive forgiveness. When we consider the ret of Daniel and his desire to see Israel restored I strongly suspect that we know what Daniel was praying. Daniel was praying for the forgiveness of his people^[4].

Finally, I want you to notice that Daniel did this three times a day. This really is a rhythm for Daniel. Daniel has lived a life of change and the changing law of the land is yet one more change. But for Daniel, nothing has changed. Daniel's God is still God and Daniel's faith does not waiver.

So, we know what happens in the story, we already read the text. Daniel is asked to pay the ultimate price for his faith. What I want us to focus in on today is the fact that

Glory must be given to God (16, 19-22).

In verse 16 Darius makes an amazing request. May your God save you. Daniel's character has made it clear to Darius that Daniel's devotion is to his God. In the daily rhythms of life Daniel has consistently represented his God and so Darius acknowledges the God of Daniel. In fact, verses 19-20 are interesting because we learn that the statement made by Darius in verse 16 has become not just a one-off comment but a genuine hope. This pagan king has found himself hoping in the God of Daniel.

In verses 21-22 we see Daniel's faith was well placed and consistent with his character Daniel declares God's glory. Moreover, Daniel declares God's sovereignty. Daniel declares that he has been found innocent by God declaring that God is the ultimate judge. Then Daniel explicitly tells Darius that what he did was not a wrong against Darius either. Order here matters, Daniel is telling Darius that he answers to God first.

So, what do we learn from Daniel in the lions den?

MTR: Determine to be faithful in your rhythms of life.

1. ↑ Widder, Wendy L. Daniel. Zondervan Academic, 2016. 301.
2. ↑ Widder, Wendy L. Daniel. Zondervan Academic, 2016. 319.
3. ↑ Longman III, Tremper. Daniel. Zondervan Academic, 2011. 166.
4. ↑ Widder, Wendy L. Daniel. Zondervan Academic, 2016, 316.