God Uses Schemes

 

    Some people spend a lot of time scheming to make others look bad, to hurt them, or cause their demise.  God doesn't approve of any of this, but He gave us the gift of free will.  He will use what others plan or do for evil for good.

    The new King Darius appointed 120 satraps to rule in his name throughout the kingdom.  They each had three administrators to keep the kingdom running with integrity.  Daniel was appointed an administrator around the age 82,  The other leaders were jealous of his infamy.  He had skill and the king had big plans for him.  Instead of doing their jobs and living their lives, the leaders spent time and energy trying to find ways to discredit him.  It was an unsuccessful endeavor.  

    They moved to the next phase of taking down Daniel.  They went to the king to make it illegal for anyone to pray for 30 days.  Not sure how or why this got passed other than it fed the king's ego, but they did it because they knew Daniel was devoted to God and prayed publicly at the appointed times (3 times a day), let alone privately.  They knew they finally had him.

    Daniel was aware of this law, but his duty was to God, then man.  He did not cease to pray because he loved God and had faith that God would protect him.  The king liked and respected Daniel.  He did not want to arrest him or convict him, but he was obliged to uphold his law.  If he didn't, then he could lose control of the people.  

    Daniel was thrown into a lion's den, in a cave or pit with an opening from the top, and sealed in over night.  These lions were hungry, so it was a safe assumption that Daniel would not last very long.  He was thrown into the lion's den, but that does not mean that the lions were at the mouth of the cave.  If they had been, then the officers and others would probably have died too.  However, I am sure that it did not take very long for them to smell him and know that he was there.

    The king went home and did something he probably never had done before: prayed and fasted all night long.  He privately broke his own law in hopes that Daniel would live through the night.  When the sun began to rise, the king rushed to see what was left of Daniel.

    When they unsealed the lion's den, Daniel walked out.  Danie was not angry, hurt, or used the experience to scream injustice..  He continued to give the king respect.  He used the experience to add to his testimony and praise God.  

    Then the king put two and two together and realized the scheme.  He did not appreciate the manipulation.  The instigators and their families were thrown into the same lion's den.  They were ripped to shreds immediately.  God used the evil intent to be seen through Daniel and reach the king's heart and he found salvation.  God was worshipped and Daniel continued to prosper.

Daniel 6