“Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. 2The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. 3Daniel 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. 4Then 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. 5So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.”” Daniel 6:1-5
“Then they told the king, “That man Daniel, one of the captives from Judah, is ignoring you and your law. He still prays to his God three times a day.” 14Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament. 15In the evening the men went together to the king and said, “Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed.” 16So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.”” Daniel 6:13-16
King of Kings,
How wonderful that they could find no skeletons in Daniels past life. Many of us could not say the same we have mistakes we regret and misspent youth perhaps. Bit it irked them he goodness, his ability. They were jealous and felt threatened. But he did nothing to provoke them that we know of. So they found a way via his faith and the Kings standing. Sounds a bit familiar. The ruling priests could not accept Jesus who did nothing but good.
I thought everything would be alright when I became a Christian and was a little shocked to find we still have an enemy and still suffer persecution and are still mocked for choosing to live clean good lives. But jealousy is human and we still have to ask God’s Holy Spirit to help us not to fall into it. But You God turned the evil into good. It brought a miracle, in the lions den and King Darius to praise You as a true God and favour Daniel’s people.
The opposite of what was hoped for. It is not easy when we come across those who do not like us because we choose Your way. But we also need to remember that You can stand up for Your own Name. We do not always have to rise up and fight. WHat the writer of the proverbs say, say? ” A gentle answer turns away wrath.” (Proverbs 15:1.). It may get hot and feel scary but like Daniel we can go on praying and watch for what You will do.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 16th September 2025
Through the love of God our Savior, All will be well
Free and changeless is His favor, All is well
Precious is the blood that healed us
Perfect is the grace that sealed us
Strong the hand stretched forth to shield us
All must be well
Though we pass through tribulation, All will be well
Ours is such a full salvation, All is well
Happy still in God confiding
Fruitful if in Christ abiding
Steadfast through the Spirit’s guiding
All must be well
We expect a bright tomorrow; All will be well
Faith can sing through days of sorrow, All is well
On our Father’s love relying
Jesus every need supplying
Yes in living or in dying
All must be well
Lyrics: Mary Bowley Peters and Matthew S Smith