The True and Better Daniel

I enjoy watching shows that place people in tough positions. Not because I enjoy seeing people struggle, but because I wonder how I would react in those situations. Could I mine gold in the Yukon? Crab fish in the Bering Sea? Live in Alaska with the bare necessities? Perhaps that is why I am drawn to the book of Daniel. Daniel finds himself as a foreigner in a strange land, taken there by force. Everything is new to him and somehow he has to find a way to survive. It’s the ultimate test of this faith.

As Daniel’s story goes, he has to choose between certain death in a lion’s den or remaining true to God. What would you do in that situation? I’d like to think that I would be brave and stand up for my faith, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want to be mauled and eaten by lions! Well, Daniel refuses to bow to the king and is thrown to the lions. (Spoiler alert, God saves Daniel!) This whole situation came about because of people who didn’t like Daniel. They looked for legitimate reasons to accuse Daniel, but none could be found. Daniel is faithful and innocent. Does that sound familiar? The chief priests and Pharisees wanted to accuse Jesus, but He, too, was found to be innocent. The king in Daniel’s day looked for a way to save him, but was unsuccessful. Pilate, the highest local authority, also sought to release Jesus, but could not. When Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den, a stone was rolled over the entrance and sealed with the king’s seal. Likewise, when Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb, a stone was rolled over the entrance and sealed with the seal of the temple guards. 

The book of Daniel points to Jesus in so many ways. One important difference, though, is that Daniel’s life was saved by God’s providence, but Jesus conquered the power of death! Daniel died an old man, but Jesus lives forever—and so do those who believe in Him!

No matter what you are going through today, know that your future is secure in Jesus and that He is with you in the difficult times. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” What a promise!