There is a word that we do not hear very much in America today; the word persecution. But in other parts of the world, last year alone, over 150000 Christians were martyred. Persecution means cruel or inhumane treatment. Anyone here wants to be persecuted? No one likes to be mistreated! Just listen to the local news!
Today, we will again be reminded of the persecution of Daniel. Why was he persecuted? Can we Christians in America be persecuted?
Jesus said in John 15:20 “Remember the words I spoke to you: ’No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” Because Jesus Christ was persecuted, any follower of Jesus will also be persecuted. As Christians, you and me, even here in America will be persecuted!
Just go to a Local Government Meeting and express your Christian values and watch how people will react to you. We will face persecution as we stand for Jesus Christ.
How did Daniel handle persecution? How are we to handle persecution?
Please open your Bibles to Daniel 6. But before reading, let us pray together our commitment to God’s Word……… Daniel 6:13-28……….
Praying to God was a priority to Daniel. Because Daniel obeyed God rather than men, he was thrown in a den of lions! Daniel was persecuted for his faith in God.
Did Daniel deserve to be killed??
We read in v22 that Daniel was innocent of wrong doing!
The king himself was distressed about throwing Daniel into the lion’s den because he knew Daniel was an honest man; but the king had no choice but to follow the rules set in their society.
Bad things can still happen even though one is innocent of wrongdoing. And, let us also note that bad things can still happen even when rules are established. We have been facing this in Wisconsin haven’t we?
I think we can learn from King Darius even though we have no indication of his belief in God until Daniel came out of the lion’s den. King Darius was very concerned for Daniel. How did the king handle his distress for Daniel?
Look again at v16…… King Darius had concern for Daniel and the king placed Daniel’s fate in God’s hand!
And look again at v18……… The king fasted for Daniel! When we get to heaven, I think we can ask King Darius if he prayed for Daniel. My guess is he did!
And what does v19 indicate? The king was anxious for and desired the best for Daniel!
Daniel was persecuted, thrown into a den of lions, because of his faith in God (obeying God rather than men).
How hungry were those lions? Look again at v24…..
Those lions Daniel faced were very hungry!
What happened to Daniel? Look again at v21-22………
God intervened and Daniel was not hurt; and we note in v23 that there was not even a scratch on Daniel! God miraculously protected Daniel! Why did God protect Daniel?
We can note at least 2 reasons why God protected Daniel. In v22, we note that Daniel was found innocent in God’s sight. Daniel did not do anything wrong! And secondly from v23 we note, Daniel trusted God!
Now, you may disagree with me; but can I suggest that another reason why God protected Daniel. Do you think God knew what was going on in King Darius heart? Isn’t it possible that Darius was truly concerned for Daniel and he was truly seeking God? After all, we see in the end that King Darius became a Believer of God. Therefore, is it really too much of a stretch to accept the fact that God protected Daniel in response to King Darius prayer? King Darius was a seeker of God and God provided an opportunity for him to call on God! The king knew in his heart that it was wrong to have Daniel killed but there wasn’t anything he could do but turn to God!
In v23, we note that the king was overjoyed that Daniel was spared! The king could have been really upset that someone is greater than him! The king wasn’t angry or upset and he wasn’t just happy. He wasn’t just joyful, he was overjoyed, he was super happy! Why do you think the king was overjoyed of Daniel’s salvation??
The king was happy that Daniel was saved because:
1. the king knew that Daniel was a good man
2. the king witnessed the miraculous power of God
3. the king found out who the liars were
4. the king found the God he has been looking for!
And because of the king’s experience with God, the king did 3 things:
1. the false accusers were deservedly judged
2. he believed in God
3. he desired prosperity to all by believing in this God
There are plenty of Biblical Principles for us today from this story aren’t there? Let me briefly highlight a few for us to think about and commit to.
If we are followers of Jesus Christ, there will be persecution. This is a given: Because many will not believe in Jesus Christ as God and Savior, they will try and harm those who do believe in Christ! Persecution of Christians today can be as serious as being in a “lion’s den” to be devoured! When we started this church, there were times I felt like I was in a “lion’s den”. As a young church, we will experience trials! As true believers of Christ, we will face persecution. How will we handle persecution?
Like Daniel, there are 3 things we need to consider when we are being persecuted:
a. Am I really innocent in God’s eyes?
If not, confess to God and confess to those you sinned against!
b. We are to trust God no matter what happens! Easier said than done right? But simply, when we don’t trust in God, we are saying that God does not exist and that is dangerous territory because it is the lie of the devil. Let us remember this always, when we don’t trust God, we’ll be in dangerous territory. Trust is a must!
And as I alluded to with King Darius’ concern for Daniel.
c. Find people who will truly pray for you!
Did you notice that Daniel was alone in his situation? What happened to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego or other Believers? Why was Daniel singled out? God has taught us from Daniel 1-5 how important it is to have faith partners but here in Daniel 6, God is telling us that there may be times when it may seem like we’re all alone in our troubles. We need to remember that even though it may seem like we’re alone in our troubles, God is there, his angels are there, and there will be people who will care for us! No matter your situation, know that God is there with all His Power and Might and seek out people who will pray for you!
The other Biblical principles we need to note is what the king did in the situation.
When we are distressed for someone, let us follow the example of King Darius. Are you distressed about what’s going on in our government or anything else or for some person? May I suggest the following from the story of King Darius.
1. Are we truly concerned for people and placing our trust in God for them?
What are the two greatest commandments?
Make it a habit to love God always then work on loving other people!
2. Fast and pray for those you are distressed for.
3. Desire the best for those you are concerned about; especially that they would believe in Jesus Christ! The greatest thing you can do for anyone is to help them be secured with their eternal life with God, which is through Jesus Christ alone!
4. Trust God who will eventually judge those who deserve judgment.
Yes, with regards to judgment, let go and let God be the judge!
