Windows Open
One Year Bible: November 29
Daniel 6:1-28
Windows Open
Daniel’s life was “an open window”. Everyone knew this. It was no secret!
It put him in great danger, and it led him out of a lion’s den.
That is the perfect description of prayer in the life of a believer.
Why is this, we wonder? Light invites, and Light repels.
While it INVITES God into our lives, at the very same time it PROVOKES the ungodly.
It is really that simple, and that complicated as well…
Daniel always prayed. Three times a day. Open Window. Open Heart.
He invited God into his life, questions, and problems.
As a result of this unique relationship, Daniel was able to answer mysterious questions that no fortuneteller, Wiseman, magician, or enchanter could begin to fathom.
His interpretations both INFURIATED kings and INGRATIATED them to him.
They also infuriated the people serving the king. How were they to get “the one up” on Daniel, who was rising in power and trusted over all men to oversee the money?
A trustworthy man always means less opportunity for the “underlings” to pull shenanigans with the Kingdom’s wealth. They hated that, and thus they hated Daniel.
There was only one little problem. Well, actually it was a BIG problem for them.
Here is what Daniel 6:4Ff tells us about their predicament. “Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn't find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.” So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.”
So, they suckered the king (out of his vanity) to join them in declaring a ruling that “for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human- except to you, Your Majesty--will be thrown into the den of lions.” (6:7)
Done Deal! When a king signed something into law it was irrefutable. Even, the king could not abolish it. This king was truly sad when he realized the situation that he had put his faithful servant Daniel in.
I would say that the king was “a few cards short of a full deck”.
There was story after story about Daniel’s ability to interpret dreams, the fiery furnace, and that he was a man given power by “the gods”. Somehow they didn’t connect that it was from “The God”. Big mistake. Huge!
So, Daniel was thrown into the Lion’s Den and a stone covered the mouth of the lion's den. We know that part, but what was the king doing during this little “overnight sleepover”?
Listen to this, “Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night.” (6:18)
The next morning the king hurried to check on Daniel and listen to his words, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”
Daniel replied, “Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lion’s mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” (6:20)
The King was overjoyed! Daniel was lifted from the den, and God’s name was lifted up!
The King sent out a proclamation, “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and in the heavens and on earth. He has reduced Daniel from the power of the lions.” (6: 26-27)
In good times and bad, Daniel OPENED HIS WINDOW and set his face towards the Holy City.
He OPENED his heart to God and GOD OPENED the WINDOW of protection and providence for Daniel.
Is your WINDOW OPEN and your gaze lifted high?
