For He is the living God

For He is the living God

Scripture: “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Daniel 6:26-28

Observation: Daniel Chapter 6 gives us the account of Daniel's ministry during the time of King Darius of Persia, and how he was thrown into the lion's den. Under the rule of King Darius, Daniel was so wise and so good in his work that the king planned to make him in charge of the whole kingdom. His jealous colleagues sought to bring him down and tricked the king into issuing a decree that would force Daniel to betray his faith or be thrown into the lion's den. Daniel did not compromise but prayed to God for help, and God sent His angel to miraculously rescue Daniel from any harm. The overjoyed king issued a new decree asking all the people in his great kingdom to honor God.

The king's decree is also instructive for us. Just as the king ordered his people to fear and reverence God, we too who follow Christ must fear and reverence Him. The Scripture teaches us that the fear of the Lord is beginning of wisdom and the Lord delights in those who fear Him and who put their trust in His unfailing love. We fear and reverence Him by seeking to live holy lives, and to know Him deeper. Fear of God and love of God as written in the Psalms often come together. Though God is a loving, personal God, He is also the Great Judge and Creator and we must follow His ways.

Secondly, King Darius proclaimed that the God of Daniel is the living God. God is alive.He sees and hears and moves actively all over the world. The eyes of the Lord range to and fro across the whole earth seeking to strengthen those who are commited to Him.

Thirdly, God's kingdom will not be destroyed and his dominion will never end. On earth, we see many kingdoms and nations, but all these are under God's control. It is the Lord who judges. He exalts one and brings down another. When Jesus returns, He will establish God's kingdom forever.

Finally,God rescues and saves. He is able to perform great miracles to save those who are His own. We are never to forget to turn to God for all our needs, great or small. He is indeed an ever present help in time of trouble.

Application: Commit in our hearts to fear and reverence God always.Proclaim that God is the living God, and that His kingdom will never end. For all our needs, look to Him as the Great God who rescues and saves.

Prayer: Father God, may my heart never fail to fear and reverence You always. You are the Living God, and Your kingdom and dominion will never end. I will ever look to You for help,for You O Lord are the loving God who rescues and saves. May Your name be praised forever.In Jesus name,Amen.