Daniel 6:16-27
Daniel had been faithfully living for the Lord from the time he was a teenager. His reputation for integrity and godliness was earned over a lifetime. Today’s passage shows him facing a dangerous situation: the lions’ den. Although we usually focus on Daniel and the beasts, it’s also interesting to note the behavior of the king who sent him there to die.
Though he’d signed the law that created Daniel’s predicament, Darius was so impressed by his servant that he tried to save him. When that effort failed, the ruler made a surprising statement of trust in the Lord: “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you” (Dan. 6:16).
Unwavering devotion to Christ leads others to trust Him. It’s tempting to have a “commitment of convenience,” where we stay faithful as long as it’s safe and doesn’t involve risk, rejection, or criticism. But doing so is a poor example of what it means to trust God. We should keep in mind that our response can draw people to Jesus—or push them away.
If you desire to be like Daniel, practice your commitment to Christ both privately and publicly. The time you spend alone with God will transform your character. Then your integrity might inspire others to want to know the Lord.
Bible in One Year: Micah 1-4
