Study 34
by Charles Tan
Text: Daniel 6:25-28
Dear Brethren,
IMPACT UPON IMPACT
What an impression Daniel must have made on the king! When Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, the King could not sleep the whole night through. He had grown fond of Daniel and had a great deal of respect for him.
However, God obviously made an even more profound impact on the King. Darius knew that only a true and great God could have kept Daniel from being killed by savage lions. When the lions devoured the enemies of Daniel, this confirmed for him that the God of Daniel was to be feared indeed. The King decided to make a proclamation throughout his vast kingdom.
What a challenging thought we have right here. Let us determine to make whatever impact we can on people. Let us recognize that our impact may be small but nevertheless it is an impact.
Let us pray that the Lord would make an impact on the lives of people to whom we have borne witness. Who knows how the heart may be touched?
A POWERFUL RIPPLING EFFECT
Daniel’s faith in the Lord must have impressed the King. Faith can have a powerful rippling effect, especially when the Lord blesses it. Daniel’s faith caused a powerful rippling effect.
The King decided that he would make a decree that would testify of his respect for the God of Daniel. He wrote,
“I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom
men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel.
For He is the living God, and steadfast forever;
His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed,
And His dominion shall endure to the end.”
Daniel 6:26
This testimony may not amount to a confession of personal faith. However, it does at least bear testimony of the fact that the God of Daniel is acknowledged as the Living God whose kingdom shall not be destroyed.
The next part of the King’s decree was certainly written because of the deliverance of Daniel from the lions. The king wrote,
“He delivers and rescues,
and He works signs and wonders
in heaven and earth,
who has delivered Daniel
from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6:27
May such impact upon hearts be made! Seek to witness diligently.