DAY 17
DANIEL & THE LION’S DEN
He sets people free and saves them. He does miraculous signs and wonders. He does them in the heavens and on the earth. He has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.
-Daniel 6:27
PAUSE
Life had drastically changed for the people of Israel. They had been taken from their homeland and were now living as captives in Babylon, serving the king. Despite their circumstances, God had not forgotten about them. Among them was Daniel, one of God’s faithful servants. Daniel’s hard work and integrity earned him the trust of King Darius, who placed him in charge of the entire kingdom. This, however, stirred jealousy among the other officials, who began plotting to get rid of Daniel.
The officials tried to find fault in Daniel but couldn’t, so they devised a plan to trap him. They convinced King Darius to issue a law requiring everyone in the kingdom to pray only to the king. The decree stated, “Anyone who does not follow King Darius’ command will be thrown into the lion’s den to be eaten by lions.” The king, flattered, agreed and signed the law.
But Daniel’s faith in God remained unshaken. He continued to pray to God daily, as he always had. The officials, waiting for their opportunity, caught Daniel praying and reported him to the king. Although King Darius valued Daniel and regretted the decree, the law could not be changed. Reluctantly, the king ordered Daniel to be thrown into the lion’s den. A heavy stone was rolled over the entrance to seal the den, ensuring there was no escape.
The next morning, King Darius rushed to the den, calling out to see if Daniel had survived. To his amazement, Daniel responded, “My king, God sent his angel to close the mouths of the hungry lions. They did not hurt me.” Daniel was alive and unharmed! Overjoyed, the king ordered the men who had plotted against Daniel—and their families—thrown into the lion’s den. Then, King Darius issued a proclamation to the entire kingdom, declaring that Daniel’s God was the living God, whose kingdom would never be destroyed.
Because of God’s miraculous deliverance, many people came to believe and honor God that day. This story not only shows God’s power and faithfulness but also points to a greater deliverance. Just as God saved Daniel from the lions, He would one day send Jesus to save us all from the dark den of sin, bringing us into His everlasting light.
DISCUSSION
Why do you think Daniel remained faithful to God, even when he knew it could cost him his life? How can we show similar faith in challenging situations?
The officials were jealous of Daniel’s success and integrity. How can jealousy lead to harmful actions, and how can we guard our hearts against it?
King Darius regretted his decision to send Daniel to the lion’s den but felt trapped by his own law. What does this teach us about the importance of making thoughtful and wise decisions, especially when they impact others?
Daniel’s deliverance led King Darius to declare that Daniel’s God was the living God. How can God’s work in our lives be a testimony to others about His power and faithfulness?
PRAY
Thank you, God, for blessing and protecting us. Please help us to put our trust and faith in You every day. Please help us to love and worship You above anything else. Amen.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find one that corresponds with today’s content - Daniel & The Lion’s Den. Then hang your seventeenth ornament on the tree.
Family Memories: Make a lion cookie! You will need a cookie, popcorn, yellow icing, and black gel icing. First, ice your cookie. Let the children put popcorn all around the edge to make the mane. Help them draw a face and whiskers using the black gel icing. Eat and enjoy! Take a photo or video of your family activity or of hanging your 17th ornament on your Advent tree. Post your pictures or videos to the Facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch!
He sets people free and saves them. He does miraculous signs and wonders. He does them in the heavens and on the earth. He has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.
-Daniel 6:27
PAUSE
Life had drastically changed for the people of Israel. They had been taken from their homeland and were now living as captives in Babylon, serving the king. Despite their circumstances, God had not forgotten about them. Among them was Daniel, one of God’s faithful servants. Daniel’s hard work and integrity earned him the trust of King Darius, who placed him in charge of the entire kingdom. This, however, stirred jealousy among the other officials, who began plotting to get rid of Daniel.
The officials tried to find fault in Daniel but couldn’t, so they devised a plan to trap him. They convinced King Darius to issue a law requiring everyone in the kingdom to pray only to the king. The decree stated, “Anyone who does not follow King Darius’ command will be thrown into the lion’s den to be eaten by lions.” The king, flattered, agreed and signed the law.
But Daniel’s faith in God remained unshaken. He continued to pray to God daily, as he always had. The officials, waiting for their opportunity, caught Daniel praying and reported him to the king. Although King Darius valued Daniel and regretted the decree, the law could not be changed. Reluctantly, the king ordered Daniel to be thrown into the lion’s den. A heavy stone was rolled over the entrance to seal the den, ensuring there was no escape.
The next morning, King Darius rushed to the den, calling out to see if Daniel had survived. To his amazement, Daniel responded, “My king, God sent his angel to close the mouths of the hungry lions. They did not hurt me.” Daniel was alive and unharmed! Overjoyed, the king ordered the men who had plotted against Daniel—and their families—thrown into the lion’s den. Then, King Darius issued a proclamation to the entire kingdom, declaring that Daniel’s God was the living God, whose kingdom would never be destroyed.
Because of God’s miraculous deliverance, many people came to believe and honor God that day. This story not only shows God’s power and faithfulness but also points to a greater deliverance. Just as God saved Daniel from the lions, He would one day send Jesus to save us all from the dark den of sin, bringing us into His everlasting light.
DISCUSSION
Why do you think Daniel remained faithful to God, even when he knew it could cost him his life? How can we show similar faith in challenging situations?
The officials were jealous of Daniel’s success and integrity. How can jealousy lead to harmful actions, and how can we guard our hearts against it?
King Darius regretted his decision to send Daniel to the lion’s den but felt trapped by his own law. What does this teach us about the importance of making thoughtful and wise decisions, especially when they impact others?
Daniel’s deliverance led King Darius to declare that Daniel’s God was the living God. How can God’s work in our lives be a testimony to others about His power and faithfulness?
PRAY
Thank you, God, for blessing and protecting us. Please help us to put our trust and faith in You every day. Please help us to love and worship You above anything else. Amen.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find one that corresponds with today’s content - Daniel & The Lion’s Den. Then hang your seventeenth ornament on the tree.
Family Memories: Make a lion cookie! You will need a cookie, popcorn, yellow icing, and black gel icing. First, ice your cookie. Let the children put popcorn all around the edge to make the mane. Help them draw a face and whiskers using the black gel icing. Eat and enjoy! Take a photo or video of your family activity or of hanging your 17th ornament on your Advent tree. Post your pictures or videos to the Facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch!