Then Daniel said, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me.” (Daniel 6:23 NKJV) and St. John wrote: “He, who has been born of God is kept by him, and the wicked one does not touch him.” (1.Joh.5:18 NIV)
That is one of my favourite stories right from the start. God’s miraculous preservation of Daniel in the lion’s den. Throughout the night Daniel, who was wrongfully thrown into prison by his distractors and opponents, survives without a scathe amongst those fearful beasts. Because that’s what they really are. Or have you not heard of those tourists, who want a lovely selfie and stand amongst the drowsy lions lounging around? Well, the guys in the car could hardly pick up their cameras before their friend was violently mauled and devoured before their very eyes.
God kept Daniel – and praise him for that. We probably know of quite a number, who did loose their lives due to false implications and tyrannous malice. Bonhoeffer comes to mind or those countless victims of political purges by ideologues and other crazies. Terrorists like the Islamic state publicly demonstrate their horrific demagogy even in these latter days. Still our God reminds us, that the wicked one will not touch us + Don’t fear those, who harm and even kill you here. Rather fear him, who can destroy and condemn you eternally in hell. And the good news there is, that he, for whom Daniel was waiting even in distant Persia, has come. He – the dragon slayer, the lion catcher, the binder and conquerer of satan and all evil – Jesus Christ, the living Lord and saviour. Thanks to him, we are safe and sound. Nothing can separate us from the love of God – neither life nor death. We are his living and dying. Praise be to him always.
Therefore we don’t need to be afraid. We may walk tall all the days of our life. Fearing the triune God alone, but nothing else. He is the one, who holds us safe and out of reach of the roaring lion, the poisonous snake, the treacherous evil foe and smelly ilk. Rather at his time he carries us safely home and to eternal rest. Thanks be to him now and always +
We pray: “Lord keep us through Thy mighty word in the true faith and guard us against the assaults of the evil one, that we may go about our calling with diligence, love and hope – not despairing, but trusting in your promises even in the dark of night and suffering serious afflictions, temptations and other tribulations by the wily foe. We build on your goodness and mercy – our Lord and our God + Amen”
“The Word they still shall let remain Nor any thanks have for it; He’s by our side upon the plain With His good gifts and Spirit. And take they our life, Goods, fame, child, and wife, Though these all be gone, Our vict’ry has been won; The Kingdom ours remaineth.” (Martin Luther LSB 656:4)
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