|
What does it look like to serve God and to be a faithful servant for God’s glory in this world? At times, it looks good — it is fun, it is clearly rewarding, it invigorates, God seems to bless our efforts abundantly, and we see so clearly how God is at work. Yet there are other moments when it’s difficult and draining — when it seems that, despite our best efforts, all is going wrong, and we struggle to see God’s favor coming to the activities we undertake to serve Him. At times, we face hardship, loss, or ridicule for being faithful in serving Him. Our service to God, even at its most faithful, humble, and sacrificial, may not always lead us to still waters or joyful journeys. In this sinful and sin-filled world, that service can lead to the lion’s den.
The life of Daniel is one that mirrors what we so often face. When you read the first six chapters of Daniel, you see what a roller coaster of ups and downs he faced, even while staying faithful. At birth, he is of Jewish nobility, but as a young man, his nation is destroyed, and he is carried off into exile. He is identified as an impressive individual, “without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace” (Daniel 1:4). His exceptional skills earned him favor and high positions under Nebuchadnezzar. This brilliance opened doors, leading him to study and eventually to a high-ranking position in Babylon. When King Nebuchadnezzar dies, he remains in high standing, even through Babylon’s own Game of Thrones. He rose to be one of the three highest officials under Darius the Mede, eventually entrusted with governing the entire kingdom (Daniel 6:1–3).
But then we get to the part of Daniel you are likely familiar with. The lion’s den. Daniel’s unwavering faith would be put to a terrifying test: if he continued praying, worshiping, and serving God, he would not only lose his earthly status but likely his life (Daniel 6:4–9). We read that Daniel did not hesitate in making his choice; when he learned the document had been signed, he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to God in the same exact way he was in the practice of doing (Daniel 6:10).
Why do I like that reminder? We often focus on how God saved Daniel in the lion’s den, but it’s important to remember that most of Daniel’s life of service was, in an earthly sense, successful. God blessed him repeatedly; there may have been no other Israelite who had a better life in Babylon. Daniel’s faithfulness goes on full display when forced to choose between faithfully worshiping, praying, and serving God — and preserving his earthly life, earthly success, and earthly status. He served God faithfully, as he had always done, regardless of the earthly consequences. This is the true spirit of continual faithful service to God in our lives.
Regardless of where it leads us, if we remain faithful to God above all else and seek to daily serve Him in our numerous earthly vocations, one thing is certain: God will be with us. Whether that faithful service leads to earthly gain is not known. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it doesn’t. This is the reality of a fallen world. Therefore, our focus should remain on serving Him faithfully, regardless of circumstance, trusting in His sovereign plan, and knowing that God will ultimately and eternally deliver us, just as He delivered Daniel. We live in this confidence, knowing that God is with us, that God is loving us — and when we serve God humbly and serve God faithfully — God’s glory shines through us, even when it leads us into the lion’s den.
| 
