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?
We don’t know how long Darius knew Daniel before this event, but it is interesting that the king understood that Daniel serves God continually. This is what Satan wants to take away, is Daniel’s continual connection to God, his continual dependence on God, and his continual looking to God. Daniel is sold out to God and would not compromise even in the face of death. Daniel knew God had the power to deliver him if it be His will, and no matter the outcome he would stay faithful. The questions we need to ask ourselves: Are we sold out to God in this way? Do we believe that God can save us from the ‘lions den’?
What is one of the things that Satan is referred to in the Bible? ___________________________________________________________________________________
As we see, Satan working through the highest authorities of earth that he can counter on his side to pass law to stop Daniel’s from worshiping his conscience. Satan wants dominion and worship, and will obtain it any way possible.
In 1 Peter 5:8-10, compares Satan to a lion seeking to devour us. We must ask ourselves, do we believe that God can deliver us from the deceptions of the devourer?
Matthew 27:43, we have Jesus on the cross and the statement is being made to him; “you trusted in God – let him deliver you – if he will have you – for you say you are the Son of God. We can see the parallel of Daniel’s situation to that of Jesus as it relates to being preserved. We too can be preserved.
Matthew 27:60-66, we find that a seal was set upon the stone that covered the tomb of Jesus. Another parallel to Daniel have a stone place over the lions den and a seal set upon it. Daniel found himself delivered unharmed by the lions on the next day. Jesus rose unharmed by the devouring lion called Satan on the third day as prophesied. We too can be sealed and delivered. So, the answer to the question asked above: Do we believe that God can deliver us from the deceptions of the devourer? The answer is YES, yes He can deliver us – even from death. This is the hope for all who die in the grave. If your name is written in the Book of Life (Daniel 12:1), you can be assured that you will be delivered from an eternal death (i.e., second death). Your delivery will come on that great day when Jesus returns.