Christian Living

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November 7, 2011 – Pet Lions
20 And when he came to the den and to Daniel, he cried out in a voice of anguish. The king said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, Whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions? – Daniel 6:20 AMP

I cannot recall the number of times I heard the story of Daniel and the den of lions as a child. This is a wonderful story of deliverance from both evil people and wild beasts. And even though I was very wide eyed as a child hearing this story for the first time, there is a valuable lesson for Christians to learn from Daniel’s experience.

One thing we have to consider about Daniel from the beginning of his writings was that he was surrounded by evil people. These wicked individuals were jealous of Daniel and could not bring any true accusation against him to King Darius. So they made up a new law (that they knew Daniel would break because the law would cause him to defy God), got the kings’ approval, and caught Daniel red-handed. Do you have people in your life like that? Do people gossip about you? Do you have co-workers who are trying to move up the corporate ladder and get you fired in the process? Daniel did, and God delivered him from his accusers.

A lion meanwhile is one of the most ferocious animals on the planet, and even carries the nickname “king of the jungle.” Lions were greatly feared in Daniel’s time as they are today. But the Persians, whom Daniel was serving, would actually capture these beasts and feed as well as care for them in large parks. I guess this could have been a predecessor to the zoos we visit today. It’s fun to go to the zoo and see a lion behind a six inch thick piece of glass. I think many of you are probably like me: if the glass is not there, count me out.

Do you have any lions in your life? Sure, we all hear news stories about people having exotic animals as pets. When we do hear about them it’s because the beast attacked their owner and ripped him to shreds. Those are not the lions I am talking about. I’m talking about “pet” lions that people keep hidden as sins in the dark and innermost part of their being. Sins like lust and greed are hidden deep inside Christians every day and can lead to such things as extramarital affairs and illegal business deals. Substance abuse is harder to cover up than those sins but can also be lions in our life waiting to pounce tear us apart.

I can admit that I have had several pet lions in my life. And just like people with real lions, at just the right moment, they tore me to pieces. The attacks obviously didn’t kill me, but I found myself worn out, broken, and seeking God like I never did before. On the other hand, Daniel didn’t have any lions in his life. When the plot against Daniel played itself out, he came through it unharmed. Why? He was not hurt because, like today’s verse says, he continually served God. That is the key for God’s deliverance and protection in the face of danger or trial.

The trouble for Christians today is that evil people are everywhere. They live next door. They work alongside you. You meet them on the highway and at the grocery store. You see them at church. They gossip about you and accuse you falsely. Although we can choose not to befriend them, we cannot completely remove them from our lives. But as long as you continually serve God, they will not be able to prove you of any wrongdoing or bring you to harm because of it.

You must also be on the lookout for lions because they, too, are everywhere. Not only do Christians have pet lions hidden in their life, but they also have lions that are exposed. Have you recently lost your job? Finding a job when unemployment is high could be a lion all its own. The fear that can overtake you from being out of work and unable to provide for your family could destroy you just like a lion. But if you continually serve God like Daniel did, you will come through the situation unharmed. Your next job may even pay more than the one you lost.

I can personally admit that I have been both an evil person and a lion to others in my life. When I wanted things my way I would not let anything or anyone get in my way. The expression “kick them while they’re down” didn’t originate with me, but I have sure used it as a springboard to pounce on someone and hurt them as opportunity arose. I cannot tell you how many times I have thanked God for delivering me from those destructive behaviors.

Daniel got what he deserved. He was found innocent in God’s eyes and kept safe, while his accusers, along with their wives and children, were thrown to the lions like Daniel, and were eaten before they touched the ground. I’m not saying that evil people in your life will eat this same fruit. But if you serve God with all you heart, no one will succeed in their evil intentions toward you.

Who do you want to be like? Do you want to have your way regardless of who it hurts? Are you like a hungry lion, which Peter compares to the devil (1 Peter 5:8)? Do you want to be the Christian who keeps hidden lions in his life only to be destroyed from the inside? Or will you be like Daniel, who served God continually, regardless of the circumstances? The choice is all yours.

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