July 15: STEADFAST IN THE FAITH
The writing of King Darius continues: He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. Daniel 6:27
The marvelous deliverance of his dear friend Daniel was confirmation to the king regarding the character of Daniel’s God, the true God. Daniel’s counsel and witness to the king continued daily; it was the foundation of their ongoing friendship. The reign of King Darius lasted only about two years, for he died at the age of 64. It is widely believed that King Darius held fast to his faith until the end, as we are given no record to the contrary.
The account of Daniel in the den of lions brings to us a vital message of consistency of character. God’s children are to be the same in all seasons, whether in sadness and difficulty or seasons of ease and abundance. Daniel’s excellent example of consistent character and unwavering integrity has blessed every generation since his day.
The state of our fallen world is, as David describes, the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). We are to walk through it, while bearing confident hope in the God who delivers and rescues. A man whose heart is true to God manifests a consistent character, regardless of surrounding conditions, whether of prosperity or tribulation. Such a man’s inner peace is divinely safeguarded as he moves through each day trusting the LORD of heaven (see Isaiah 26:3).
The God who works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth is very near to those who are suffering for the sake of righteousness. When Daniel experienced the presence of God in the den of lions, it was a familiar presence: the very same One with whom he had walked through life from his youth, and the One with whom he communicated often—faithfully and regularly—in prayer. The nearness of heaven is a reality to the true man of God. Even in the gloomiest of seasons and the most difficult of trials, such signs and wonders assure him who is steadfast in the faith that he is blessed… (revisit Daniel 3:25)
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
At the time that the kingdoms of Media and Persia had united against Babylon, the Medes had been dominant. But at the death of King Darius, Cyrus the Persian stepped up to lead, either from a position as coregent, or as a successor to Darius (the original language allows for either interpretation). So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. (v.28) As the author, Daniel may be referring to himself as “this Daniel” in a lighthearted way of mocking his adversaries who had referred to him as “that Daniel” (v.13). He had surely been delivered from the power of the lions, and this event was properly seared into the memory of Jewish children in subsequent generations. Peter’s admonition for all of us comes to mind:
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9