Daniel 6 (7)

Introduction
The apostle Paul advised us that we must through many tribulations enter the Kingdom of God (Acts 14.21, 22). Do you suppose he learned that from contemplating Daniel’s experience in Babylon and Persia? Daniel undoubtedly knew of the Biblical teaching about God’s Kingdom, reaching all the way back to Genesis 49. In chapter 7, he will be treated to a spectacular and exhilarating vision of the Kingdom’s coming to God’s saints. I’m certain that, as he took in that vision, he would have been persuaded that his “many tribulations” were worth it. Ours are, too.

Read Genesis 49.8-11.

Read and Meditate on Daniel 6.

Think it Through
1.  God as King has been a central, albeit subdued, theme of the book of Daniel to this point. He rules, but as it were from afar. Explain. How do we see in the story of Darius and the lions’ den that God is King over all people, nations, and indeed all creation? Can you see in Daniel’s tribulations any foreshadowing of the sufferings of Jesus?

2.  The book of Daniel was written shortly before the exiles returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Why would the message of God’s Kingship have been important to them as they returned? Why was it important that this message be proclaimed, not merely by one of their own prophets, but by two of the greatest pagan kings of their day? How should the coming of the Kingdom encourage us in our daily walk with and work for the Lord?

Meditate
“They sealed the pit of Daniel and guarded it with diligence; and they guarded the grave of Jesus with diligence, as they said, ‘Set guards to watch at the tomb.’ When Daniel came up, his accusers were ashamed; and when Jesus rose, all they who had crucified him were ashamed.” Aphrahat (270-350 AD)

And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting themto continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14.21, 22

Lord, I know the world does not always regard Your Kingdom and salvation as Good News. But I know it is, and so…

Pray Psalm 66
As you pray, ask the Lord to revive the witness of His people, to remove His judgment from us, and to send us out to proclaim the Kingdom and Rule of Jesus throughout our community and the world.

Psalm 66 (Regent Square: Angels from the Realms of Glory)
Shout for joy to God, all people, sing the glory of His Name!
Give Him glorious praise and say, “How great Your pow’r and great Your fame!
All the earth shall worship gladly as they praise Your glorious Name!”

Great and awesome is our Savior in the works which He has done.
He the sea and river dried to let His people cross as one.
Then our joy was great to worship Him our mighty, sovereign One.

He the nations watches ever – all you rebels, humbled be;
Bless our God, all men and nations, praise His Name eternally!
He preserves our souls, and He will keep His paths beneath our feet.

You have tried us, Lord, as silver, and have brought us into nets,
Made us carry heavy burdens, let men trample o’er our heads.
But through all Your grace sustained us and has brought us through to rest.

To Your house we come with off’rings, what we vowed, Lord, help us do.
O, receive our praise and homage as we give ourselves to You.
Come and listen, all who fear Him: hear what this great God can do!

When we cried to You, You answered, filled our mouths with highest praise.
Let not sin abide within us, lest we languish all our days.
Bless the Lord, Who hears our pleadings and preserves His love always.

T. M Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press).