Bible Training

Daniel Was a Daniel in His Bedroom In Daniel Chapter 6, we have seen how the scheming of wicked men plotted and planned to silence and marginalise and exclude Daniel, who happened to be the head of the civil service in Babylon. Daniel went to prayer. Daniel prays as he normally prayed - privately and almost secretly - in no way does he want to parade his prayer life. If you do, then perhaps you are thinking more of those watching you - than of God. There are times when we shut ourselves up towards Jesus - and we open our window - and pray in the name of the risen Jesus. Daniel gave thanks. Daniel was a Daniel in his bedroom before he was a Daniel in the lion's den. Verse 11 – The wickedness and evil of the spies - they are watching and waiting. They know what will happen - some people know very well what we will do and what we will say. And - there are times when we have to break the law. They ran to the king with the news - and the king wants out of this situation - but there is no way out. The king is gripped and imprisoned by his own silly legislation - and he is reminded that there is no escape. Nebuchadnezzar would never have been caught like that - he would just have changed the law. He is trapped. He tries to get out of it. We have to be careful about making rash promises or vows which are unhelpful - and from which we may need to be set free. Verse 16 – What a thing to say to Daniel. Had he been told about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? The door is sealed - why did they have to go that far? But does that not remind you of another stone and another seal after Jesus Christ was crucified? Animals are sometimes more aware of supernatural things happening than man. There was angel in that den – verse 21. Neither an animal nor a man can touch certain men of God when God is in control and at work. The king however is sleepless - at first light - "What did your God do for you? "My God sent his angel - I have done nothing wrong against God - and nothing wrong against you. I was innocent - so I was safe. Verse 23 – These men had been so pleased to see Daniel thrown into the lion's den - but things change after he emerges safely. Verse 24 – Now the lions are not so docile - are they? Never touch a man of God. The outcome is that the God of Daniel is to be feared and reverenced. This is what God achieved through the faithfulness of a man of God in his 90's - a 90 year old man of prayer. We face all kinds of lions - for some it is no more than lying in bed on a Sunday morning - but that can be just as dangerous as a lion. Paul said that God delivered him from the lion's mouth. Peter said that the devil is like a prowling lion seeking to devour someone. Watch and pray - be watchful and prayerful. It is unsafe to wander around without keeping a lookout as to where we are going – or with whom we are wandering around. When you think the situation is dangerous and unsafe - shut the door - and open the window to Jesus, and his light and love and guidance. Never allow promotion to make your faith suffer - and PRAY before the trouble comes. “Lord God – Your Word promises that times will be hard – that the cross can be arduous – that the world will trouble us. If we end up in court on trial for our faith in Christ – if we too have to serve time in prison because we refuse to deny Jesus, as many experience – help us, and them – be with us, and be with them. Enable us to prepare now for the times that lie ahead for the Church of Jesus Christ.” Amen. (This week's "Word from Scotland" - previous articles may be found at Studylight - every prayerful blessing, in Christ Jesus.)