Daniel 6:4-5, 10 (NKJV) — 4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” 10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.

Daniel’s integrity was impeccable. Though there may be more, four characteristics of Daniel’s integrity that stick out are: (1) an excellent attitude, (2) faithfulness in his work, (3) personal purity, and (4) a consistent walk with God. The other leaders took what was good, Daniel’s faithful prayer, and turned it into something illegal for their own gain. On Sunday Pastor Weston said, “Daniel’s faithfulness invited his persecution. You can have others accuse you of doing wrong while you still do right!”

Do you demonstrate these four characteristics of Daniel’s integrity enough to both benefit from them in your life and potentially receive persecution from others as a result? 

Is your prayer life fruitful in a way that is foundational to your daily life and what are your primary hindrances to prayer? 

Daniel 6:16, 21-22 (NKJV) — 16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”

Daniel was condemned to death for doing what was right in the eyes of God. He was cast into a pit of hungry lions with a stone covering the opening that was sealed by king Darius and the other leaders’ signet rings. But God provides for and delivers His faithful servants. God also provides judgement on those who persecute His people. In this case, after Daniel was protected from the lions, Darius had Daniel’s accusers receive the punishment they intended for Daniel.

What parallels can we draw between the stories of Daniel’s persecution, the suffering of Jesus Christ on our behalf, and the trials we face in our lives? 

How has God delivered you in the past and how does that inform how you react to facing judgement, persecution, and misfortune today?