There are many lessons to learn from this story. A lesson about praying is usually what most people think about. Daniel kept praying to God even when the king passed a law against praying to anyone but him. When you pray, trust the Lord with the results. God may surprise you in the way he answers your prayers. Think how surprised Daniel’s enemies were when the lions didn’t eat him for dinner.
Forgiving others is another big lesson from this story. Daniel could have become bitter and angry because he was thrown to the lions. Remember what Daniel said when the king asked, “has your God been able to save you from the lions?”
Daniel could have said, “You threw me in the lion’s den. What do you care what happens to me? I hope a chariot runs over your crown!” But instead Daniel answered, “King, live forever!” He knew God wanted him to respect those who were in authority. Daniel followed the Lord and forgave the king for what he had done.
The king’s folly and stress came from listening to people who said he was the greatest. You don’t have to be a king to make this mistake. Those who have high opinions of themselves always look foolish in the end. A group of jealous people wanted to get rid of Daniel. If the king had been humble instead of proud, he would have laughed at the idea of forcing everyone to pray to him.
The king found himself trapped between two value systems. He wanted to help his best advisor, Daniel, but he couldn’t. There was another law that prevented him from changing the silly law he passed. God delivered Daniel from the king’s folly and the trap set by those who were jealous of him.
Many people want to be great in the eyes of other people. Those who achieve this kind of greatness discover that others are jealous and envious. Advertisers spend billions of dollars to make you jealous of those who have things that you don’t have.
Think About This: True greatness is being a child of God and serving others in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Memorize This Truth: “Whoever wants to be your leader must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26b).