In the Lion's Den - Journal Day

Now if you were to google ‘10 ridiculous film mistakes’ you’d see that Braveheart appears at number 6. Appalled, you say to me “what could possibly be wrong with the film Braveheart?!” Well, unfortunately for Mel Gibson and co it appears that despite being set in the 13th century, during one of the battle scenes a white Ford Transit van appears in the background by accident.

If Mel Gibson or any other director were to take on the task of directing Daniel chapter 6, I wonder if they would have an issue with the cut to the scene of verse 18? We have all the suspense of the preceding scene whereby Daniel is thrown into the den, the stone rolled over and sealed with the King’s signet ring and then almost bizarrely we’re taken to the King’s palace. What about Daniel? Should the scene not pan down, past the stone to show us Daniel’s encounter with a bunch of hungry lions? Who cares about the King, we want to see some action!

Well it seems like the camera is cut to the King’s palace to show his anxiety and despair at the situation he could do nothing about. Perhaps, by the story not returning to the Lions’ Den, God is telling us that what happened in the den wasn’t the most important thing. What was the most important thing was Daniel’s trust and faith in his God – whether dead or alive. No matter what the circumstances or the outcome, Daniel’s faith was strong, firm and steadfast in the Living God!

The decree of Darius at the end of the chapter is the climax of the story, made in response to the great wonders he has seen the living, powerful and active God perform. Now, a great earthly King acknowledges the superior greatness of God through Daniel’s faithfulness and trust.

Verse 26 “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.”

Yet what is our response to this passage?
- God’s faithfulness to us should be the catalyst for us remaining faithful to Him.
- We are to remain faithful to God no matter what the cost, or the circumstance. No matter how tempted we feel.

Let’s try especially hard this week to follow the example of Daniel and be prepared to stand for our convictions and be unashamed of the gospel wherever we find ourselves.