NEVER GIVE UP ON PRAYER

Transcription

1 NEVER GIVE UP ON PRAYER LESSON PASSAGE: DANIEL 6:3-7,10,16-23 AUGUST 16/17 - BACKGROUND PASSAGE: DANIEL 6:1-28 Charles Lyons, Ph.D. Daniel Chapter 6 KJV 1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; 2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. 6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree. 10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. 11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. 14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. 16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. 17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? 21 Then said Daniel

2 unto the king, O king, live for ever. 22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. 23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. 24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den. 25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. 27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. 28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. The Introduction Daniel 5:30-31, 6:1-3 KJV 30 In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. 31 And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old. 1 It pleased * Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; 2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. To gain insight into chapter 6 of Daniel we back up to the two last verses of chapter 5 of Daniel. Belshazzar the previous king of the Chaldeans is slain and Darius the Mede assumes power. This actually composed leadership of two main people, the Medes and the Persians. Their laws were absolute and had to be obeyed. Even the king who signed the laws lived under those laws. Another item of curiosity is that at our present time, there is not an official record that has been discovered by archaeologists of the existence of Darius. His only record, at this time, is encountered in Scripture. This king is not yet known in secular history, though this is not of any real conflict when we realize that at one time some doubted the reality of Belshazzar. i The passage sets up an event of power play in the kingdom that we don t easily relate to in the United States. Yet we can certainly understand the jealousy and power struggle that was about to come into play between locals and Daniel a slave being elevated to positions of high leadership. These positions were not permanent but were established to secure rule and a power change in the country as noted by Christian writer, Edward J. Young: 2

3 It is not said that Darius the Mede divided the kingdom into 120 satrapies, but only that he appointed 120 satraps (kingdom protectors) who should be distributed throughout the kingdom. It is quite possible that these satraps were given the special mission of caring for the newly conquered country, because of fear of the hostility of the land to the conquerors. In other words, this may have been a temporary arrangement, and not at all a description of a formal organization of the country into 120 satrapies. ii The chain of command was now established with these 120 sub leaders answering to three presidents. Daniel was established as one of these three presidents, why? Undoubtedly this serves as an ongoing example of how a secular leader can value the character and honesty of a believer even while not accepting the one true God. APPLICATION: The character and integrity of a believer can often be a strong witnessing tool and can sometimes open doors of opportunity. Part 1 Choose What You Can Be Accused Of Daniel 6:3-7 - KJV 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. 6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. In this opening sentence there are great words used to describe Daniel. Consider the word preferred. It comes from a Hebrew word meaning to distinguish oneself. God s Word indicates that Daniel was distinguished from others for a very good reason, the excellent spirit was in him. This would mean, again from the Hebrew, that an extraordinary foundation of mind was found in Daniel. In other words he was solid in his thinking, creative and insightful. Interestingly the Hebrew word is only used in the book of Daniel. It is used 11 times and either referred to an actual wind or, in context, to the Spirit of God. It would seem that Daniel was led by the very Spirit of God in his actions and was his source of wisdom. He was recognized and preferred over the other men in his position regardless if they were one of the 120 mentioned earlier or one of the presidents. However, throughout mankind, you will not find a person more apt to find something wrong, than the one who is looking for something 3

4 wrong when driven by enviousness. The jealousy of these other men was so intense that they were committed to finding a flaw in Daniel. In public and in private, Daniel was a man of God in faith and practice. Since Daniel s enemies could not find him guilty of any existing crime they would have a new law made. This law would challenge Daniel as to how loyal he would be to his God. These men already knew the answer to this challenge: Daniel would stand true to the God of Israel. APPLICATION QUESTIONS: 1. What could tempt you to compromise your values? 2. What could cause you to change your church commitments? 3. Have you had a moment where job, family or finances caused you to feel the need to compromise your values? 4. How did you react to such moments? The accusers of Daniel go before the king and begin their meeting with a lie. It is a small but significant lie. You might ask the class if anyone can identify this lie. They announced to the king that they had all met and come to a conclusion. The all was even expanded to include the presidents, governors, princes, counsellors and captains. The all apparently did not include Daniel and therein was the lie. The request was made to the king that a law, a firm decree, be made that no one could make a request of any god or man except for king Darius for a period of 30 days. If anyone made a request of any man or god except the king during that time they would be cast into the den of lions. The word used for petition or request to a Jewish person would have the meaning of a literal prayer that would be offered. Don t forget Exodus 20 verse 3, Thou shalt have no other gods before me. First consider how this request could appeal to an earthly ruler. It appeals to their pride and ego. How many supervisors do you know that micromanage? All decisions come from them only, no delegated decision making. In this case, king Darius would not even tolerate delegation to a god or The God. APPLICATION: how easy it would be to justify obeying this man made law and avoid persecution. Consider these items: 1. It wasn t forever, only 30 days 2. Would anyone know what you did in private could you secretly pray to God? 4

5 3. You were not being specifically asked to pray to another god, man or king, you could just hold your requests for 30 days and then it would not be an issue 4. The truth be told, is it not true that some don t pray that often; does it really matter? Compromise will always be compromise. If we use the word, accommodation, instead of compromise, have we disobeyed God any less? Compromise with the obedience that God expects is called sin. Daniel s accusers knew from Daniel s daily walk that he could not go 30 days without praying to his God and that he would never replace his God with an earthly king. Daniel had a daily relationship with God that included prayer. By the way that Daniel lived; he had already chosen what he could be accused of: being faithful to his God. Part 2 Choose When You Can Be Accused Daniel 6:10 KJV 10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. It is easy to read this sentence and miss something very important. It goes back to the question proposed earlier, how easy would it be to compromise and justify obeying this law? It is important to recognize that in the minds and plan of Daniel s enemies there was no way they could lose. If Daniel obeyed God and continued to pray to the one true God, Daniel would be thrown into the den of lions. If Daniel chooses to compromise in any way or manner, than his testimony as a believer in the one true God would have been nullified, his testimony would be worthless. APPLICATION: What about us? Again ask the class to consider the question what would you do? Remember, it is not likely that we will be asked stop praying and only ask mayors, city councils, or even the governor or the president about what is on our heart. However, how comfortable would we be in a secular business meeting answering a CEO of the company where we worked that we would not answer today but wanted time to pray and seek God about a decision first? Or perhaps more realistically, would we be prepared to say no to a happy hour meeting because it would not honor our God? Note the timing when Daniel responded. When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; in other words not only was this his normal time for him to pray to God but he did it with the full knowledge that the new law was in effect. Daniel knew he would be risking being thrown into the lion s den. 5

6 Note the action Daniel took, his windows being open in his chamber towards Jerusalem, he opened the windows. What he did in praying to God may have been in his home but it was with the windows open, on his regular schedule three times a day. He was not hiding his faith. Note the content of his prayer, and gave thanks before his God. I like that, he is not begging God for protection, for deliverance or an avenue of escape, he is giving thanks to God! Again, consider before emphasizing this point to ask the class, Under the same circumstances what would be the content of your prayer to God? So there is a wonderful two punch win for Daniel in this sentence. First, that knowing that the law was in power he continued to pray. Daniel chooses when his enemies could accuse him: at his normal time to pray. What s the second punch? Ask these questions, what did Daniel do differently? Did he close the windows, did he wait until dark, did he leave the city and find a private spot where he would not be seen? No! Daniel did just as he did before, he prayed on schedule. Part 3 Choose How Often You Can Be Accused Daniel 6:16-23 KJV 16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. 17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? 21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. 22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. 23 Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. At this point in the passage, Daniel had been taken into custody because he had, as predicted by his accusers, been faithful to praying to the God of Israel. Yet another great question for each of us and the class, If charged by the local authorities of Houston, Texas of being faithful in prayer to God, would there be enough evidence to get a conviction? Since this was Daniel and not a 21 st Century religious person, we now find him accused and found guilty as charged. The king was hurt because of his respect and compassion for Daniel but 6

7 he still had to obey his own law. Daniel was cast into the den of lions. Amazing is it not, that often times secular people demonstrate more compassion than religious people. Not so much as to stop the execution, but enough to show remorse. Now consider the statement of the king which he says to Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. Yet another question for the class: Would those who know you best describe you as a person who serves God continually? Remember that this passage and this particular statement let us know that Daniel was able to choose how often he could be accused of being faithful to God continually! Is this not something we should aspire to, being continually faithful in our devotion to God? When you take the time to think about the statement, at this point not a question, from king Darius that Daniel s God would deliver him we have to believe he has experienced some sort of change. Undoubtedly Daniel s testimony, not only his walk, but also of his God was having an impact. Consider this observation by the Christian writer Edward J. Young: Calvin thinks that the king is interested in saving Daniel only because of the benefits, which he received, from him. However it is more likely that a deep personal attachment for Daniel had grown up on the part of the king. iii It is a good thing to see this connection and impact between Daniel and king Darius. It is easy to imagine there had to be times when Daniel felt conflicted between his values and that of the king. This entire event is driven by such a difference. In addition, Daniel was still a prisoner from the war against God s people as a result of the captivity. However, Daniel demonstrated such character as a believer that warmth rather than a wall existed between these two men. APPLICATION: A question for us to consider, between us and secular leaders are we building relationships that enhance our communication of the Gospel or putting such lines of division that we cannot communicate? Is it possible to get a gift card to the bookstore from Scott? Is it possible to build a communication relationship with a lost person without compromising our Christian values? Ask the class for comments and suggestions on this topic. The passage continues and we see that Daniel is in the lion s den. The den is sealed with a stone and a seal from the ring of Darius. This is somewhat reminiscent of a day to come after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Yet, much like the garden tomb, the government may roll the stone and set the seal, but earthly rulers are helpless when it comes to what God can do on the other side of the stone! Darius has a very difficult night. He experiences great emotional turmoil and not even music can calm him. He rises very early and goes to the den of lions. When he does he calls out with a question in what the Bible describes as a lamentable voice. The expression means a voice demonstrating pain and grief. King Darius now poses his earlier statement in the form of a 7

8 question, Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Darius shows such a depth of compassion in his question both in how it is phrased and in the tone that it is delivered. Note the repetition, Daniel, O Daniel how it speaks of a broken heart. Listen to the words from the den of lions when Daniel shows compassion and respect to the king, with the statement, live forever. Daniel continues to explain that God had sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions. Great things to notice are the mutual compassion and connection between the hurting secular king and God s man completing this time of testing. Observe that Daniel confirms that there has been no hurt, he has been found innocent and that he had never done an injustice to the king. The statement by Daniel that he had done no hurt to the king is important. The passage lets us know that Daniel had broken a man made, in this case king made law. However, he had not tried to hurt king Darius, Daniel simply was respecting jurisdiction. We could explain to the class an example of jurisdiction between local, state and federal laws and authority. Just as a federal judge can supersede a state judge or court, God s law will always supersede man s law. Conclusion Daniel 6:24, 6:28 KJV 24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den. 28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. A reason to include these two verses in the lesson is to clarify two strong ideas. We often feel that there is fallout negatively to believers from government decisions. In addition we can feel that there is nothing that can be done we are helpless in the affairs of the government. In many ways, that takes us back to the issue of jurisdiction. The powers that be are ordained of God and we should strive to work within that system. However, as believers we can always supersede to God, the highest court and judge in the land. How? Through our prayers! The ramification to Daniel s prayer in this passage was divine intervention and deliverance. The ramification to his accusers was to dine out. They were cast into the den of lions whose jaws were unlocked, the lions could dine and the accusers were now out of the picture. The strong applications for us from this passage are: 1. The best time to pray is always build a relationship with our God 8

9 2. When confronted with a conflict between man and God go with God 3. Living in this world means you will have accusers just make them charge you with faithfulness to God 4. Don t be afraid to witness to powerful leaders they need God and God may use them in your life 5. When God is blessing you in your position be aware there are those who may get jealous 6. Never compromise with your beliefs you need the strength that comes with faith 7. Even on your best day of serving God there could be some hungry lions out there trust God that He will be faithful and the lions will have lock-jaw i Edward J. Young, The Prophecy of Daniel, (Grand Rapids:Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1972),p ii Ibid., p iii Ibid., p