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A Study of Daniel Chapter 6
Posted : 6 May, 2012 02:58 PM
As with most people�s stories in the Bible, Daniel�s story may be applied:
Inwardly
Daniel�s story may be applied to the inward struggle each of us face as believers against our sinful natures. In this way, Daniel would represent Christ�s presence within us, while those trying to destroy Daniel would represent our fallen sinful natures or our flesh. In this scenario, the life of Daniel is able to give us hope that God is able to deliver us individually from the power and corruption of sin and death.
As the Life of Christ
In the story of Daniel, we will see that by walking by faith, Daniel allows Christ to live His life out through Daniel through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Corporately, as the Church
The story of Daniel speaks of God�s ability to preserve His people through the toughest of times, when it seems there is no hope.
In the beginning of Daniel chapter 6, we find the Babylonian commissioners and satraps plotting against Daniel.
Why? Because the sinful nature or flesh of mankind will never willingly submit itself to the Spirit of God; in this case the Spirit of God within Daniel. Instead, it will fight to the bitter end to maintain its freedom from God�s Authority.
Notice that the �other� commissioners and satraps spoken of in verses 1-6 were no doubt part of the same assembly which aided King Belshazzar to his doom; much like our own sinful nature which will readily lead us to our doom while continuously warring within us for its right to do so. �Sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.� Genesis 4:7.
Notice the two different interpretations of Daniel occurring in this chapter:
One interpretation is that of King Darius.
The other is that of the Satraps and commissioners.
One stands to benefit from God�s blessing in Daniel�s life, the other will be forced to submit to God�s ruling in Daniel�s life.
Aren�t we the same way? Often we are ready and willing to profit from God, yet, when asked to submit to God, we rebel.
As you see the life of Christ lived out through Daniel, you can see Satan�s attempts to destroy those in whom the Spirit of God dwells.
In Verse 6 � 7, Notice that the commissioners and satraps approach King Darius in the same way that our fallen sinful natures approach us. How so? Our sinful natures continually present us with false and deceptive views of what is desirable, pleasurable and good and they do so as if having God�s approval.
Verse 9: Though King Darius will later mourn for Daniel, he would have unknowingly sealed his fate if God had not intervened. How many times have past decisions we�ve made seriously affected those we love? Do we see King Darius consult Daniel in this decision? Do we consult those whom God has placed in our lives?
If this would have been a matter threatening the kingdom, surely Daniel would have been consulted, but since it was a matter of one�s ego, Daniel was not consulted at all.
Here�s a similar story of another king distracted by his ego� �The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John�s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back his head on a platter.� Mark 6:26 � 28.
Verse 10: Instead of fearing the King�s edict, Daniel like Christ, turns to the Lord and he does so boldly in front of everyone. Is he aware what might happen? You bet he is. Couldn�t he have shut his windows for once and continued his prayer life unseen? He could have, but instead Daniel stands firm alongside Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and a past king of Israel named David. Why? Because Daniel had watched kings come and kings go. He�d witnessed first-hand God�s sovereign rule over the kingdom of Babylon and his own life. He had seen the writing on the wall� There was no need for Daniel to fight for himself. He knew that Jehovah God was already fighting for him.
Verse 13: Look closely at the accusations made against Daniel. Do you see how the enemy targets us? Our enemy is well aware of the power there is in casting doubt upon the Christian life � especially when it comes to doing what is right.
Notice that God does not save Daniel from the lion�s den, nor Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the blazing furnace. Instead, HE kept them in the midst of the den and the furnace. Often, God will do the same in our lives. He will not always rescue us from the lion�s den or the fire. Instead HE will keep us in the midst of our trials. Not from them.
Verses 19 - 22: Now we�re going to get serious�
Did you happen to notice the faith by which King Darius approaches the lion�s den early the following morning? The disciples themselves did not approach Christ�s tomb with such faith. They didn�t approach Christ�s tomb at all. Oh, and by the way, in case you missed the hint above, yes, that�s right � the lion�s den represents the tomb our Savior was laid in after He was crucified and where He too was delivered from death�
Darius� response?
May the words of Darius echo through each of our lives as daily we issue his decree that in every part of our being, that we would fear and reverence the God of Daniel, our God, for He is the Living God, and He endures forever; His Kingdom within us, can never be destroyed, His dominion will never end. He rescues and He saves; he is ready to perform signs and wonders in the heavens and in your life. He rescued Daniel from the power of the lions�.and He is ready and willing to rescue you. In this may you greatly prosper!
King Darius was not perfect. Neither are you. King Darius sent Daniel into the lion�s den. You and I, we sent Christ to the cross. But you know what? Daniel, he forgave King Darius. And Christ? He forgives you.
In the end, King Darius disposed of those parts of his kingdom that represent our flesh. How? By placing them where they belonged�not in positions of leadership or council, but into the lion�s den.
May we take this lesson to heart. May we look to God to help us rid ourselves of our egos. May we surround ourselves with Daniels, whom the Spirit of God dwells within. And instead of compromising, may we recognize the satraps and commissioners in our lives, even within us and place them where they belong.
God bless
This study is part of a copyrighted study on the book of Daniel reproduced here with permission from the author, me ;) Mydreamtime33
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