LORD’S DAY, MAY 13
Daniel 6:13-17
Lamentations 3:50-58

“I called upon
thy name, O LORD …”

SUMMARY EXECUTION

Darius suddenly awoke to the folly of his action. He felt sorry for Daniel but the law was binding on him. He was powerless to undo it. Nevertheless Darius, caught between the horns of the dilemma, laboured his utmost to save Daniel, but without avail. He was utterly regretful for what he had done. If he had any idea of putting off the execution for a day, Daniel’s enemies were quick to dispel it.

Apparently there was a Medo-Persian law requiring that a sentence had to be carried out on the same day. No sooner had the sun gone down than the accusers came to Darius and pressed for the execution of the sentence.

As Daniel was taken to face the lions, Darius made a statement of profound truth: “Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee” (Dan 6:16). It could have been that he had heard of the wonders of God wrought by Daniel’s hand. In his heart was a glimmer of hope.

It was obvious that by his conduct and dealings with the king, Daniel had made a very favourable impression on Darius.

Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. Daniel was consigned to the den of lions to the great regret of the king.

When the night is darkest God’s light shines brightest.

THOUGHT: Did Darius harbour any hopes for Daniel?
PRAYER: I thank Thee, Lord, that Thy eyes are upon the righteous, and that Thy ears are open unto our cries. May I always turn my eyes heavenward to Thee, and continue to walk in Thy path.