SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24
Scripture: Daniel 6, Hebrews 11:32-33

The last lesson that comes out of Daniel in subduing kingdoms deals with the transition between Belshazzar and Darius the Mede taking over as the steward of Babylon. With a brand new king that did not know Daniel’s history, all of his enemies had an opportunity. They understood that the only way to get Daniel was to capture him in a trap of serving his God in rebellion against the command of the king. Daniel 6:7 says, “All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.” When the king signed it, they knew they had Daniel. They accused him because he refused to stop praying. In the meantime, Darius the Mede had learned about Daniel. In verse 16 he said, “So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.’” Verse 18-24 says, “Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ Then Daniel said to the king, ‘O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.’ Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God. And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions—them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den.” Hebrews 11 is full of men who walked in faith and God honored their faith. They subdued kingdoms but they also restored kingdoms. Shall we not finish what they started!