It’s been a while since I’ve read the story of Daniel in the Lions Den but as I was reading Daniel 6 this week, several lessons stood out to me.

• Envy and Jealousy
  • The administrators and satraps were jealous of Daniel. He was living a life pleasing to God and man and evidently he made them look bad. So, this led them to sin. They plotted and coerced the king (who valued Daniel and planned to set him over the whole kingdom) to issue an edict that anyone who prayed to any god or man during the next 30 days except to the king, would be thrown into the lions den.
• Pride and Ego
  • The king, even though he must have known that Daniel prayed to, worshipped and followed God, the thought did not enter his mind. His ego was elevated as he thought of the honor he would receive.
• Praise and Worship
  • Even when Daniel knew it could cost him his life,  he continued to pray openly and praise God. He not only kept his faith, he did not hide it.
• Consequences
  • The king, even though it distressed him greatly, followed through with his edict and ordered Daniel in the Lion’s Den. He did, however, say to Daniel “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you.” (Daniel’s witness was evident)
• Faithfulness
  • Daniel was faithful, even unto what appeared to be his death.
  • God was faithful and rescued Daniel while in the den of lions.
• Blessings
  • The king issued a decree that in every  part of his kingdom, people would fear and reverence the God of Daniel.
  • This is an example of how our faithfulness can impact the lives of others, pointing them to God.

This certainly made me consider my witness as I go about my days. How about you?