Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“He delivers and rescues,
he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth;
for he has saved Daniel
from the power of the lions.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, November 29, 2020
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: Daniel’s loyalty to worshiping only God turned an entire kingdom toward God. Sometimes a small gesture can make a huge difference.
While the people of Israel were exiled for turning away from God, they managed to find ways to remain faithful to God and also make a living in the foreign lands where they’ve been exiled. Because of his ability to interpret dreams, Daniel became a trusted advisor to the Mede king, Darius, who had overthrown King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (conqueror of Israel). King Darius took an instant liking to Daniel despite Daniel’s station as an exile.
Others of Darius’ advisors, however, were jealous of Daniel and sought to destroy him. They tricked Darius into signing a decree that no one could worship anyone except King Darius. Daniel, of course loyal to God, refused to bow to anyone but God. Captured for his lawlessness, Daniel was brought before King Darius, who was forced to sentence Daniel to death by lion.
God, however, had other plans. Once in the lion’s den, God shut the mouths of the lions. Darius prayed all night for Daniel’s safety, and in the morning Daniel was found in the den safe and sound. Darius immediately decreed that the entire kingdom would now worship Daniel’s God, and the deceitful advisors and their families were executed by lions. Daniel had managed to turn an entire kingdom toward God by nothing more than his loyalty and devotion for God. A small (though dangerous) gesture turned the tide for scores of people.
We never know what our small gestures are capable of. Sometimes we make following God incredibly complex, when perhaps all God really needs from us is focused attention. Loyalty and devotion. Willingness to stand up for what we believe. Courage to follow in the face of opposition. Small gestures, perhaps, but with immense outcomes.
Lord, stir your small gestures within me. Amen.
An
Exceptional
People
Blog Posts
SIGN UP NOW