The King's sleep went
My son and I went to the dump but arrived just as the last person was leaving, and they closed their gates. The gentleman told us that they closed at 5:30 p.m., even though they had been there since 7:30 a.m. He asked us to return at 7:30 a.m. I could see he was sorry, but they've closed.
I reasoned that they deserved to go home and rest if he had been there since 7:30 a.m. doing such a hectic job. That was proper. We arrived late.
The following morning, we got there some minutes past 8 a.m., and the same man walked up to us with great joy and said, "Alas, I woke up at 4 a.m. this morning to make my way here and arrived at 6:30 just to open the gate for you. I have been looking out since 7.30 am, and here you come." We could see a huge relief and joy on his face.
I remembered the story of Daniel. When a man's way pleases the Lord, he makes even his enemy to be at peace with him.
The story of Daniel and the den of lions is a pathetic one. Jealousy can drive anyone to the extreme. He was conspired against because of his faith and commitment to Elohim.
Jealousy kills, strives, competes and brings out the ugliness in an individual. They deceived the King and got him to agree to destruction.
Why was the King that gullible? A lesson for everyone. They stoked his ego, boot-licked him, and pride carried him away. Also, because Babylon was an idolatrous nation, it made it worse. If graven images could be worshipped, why not the King?
Watch out! People will deceive you if they know you are gullible. Be watchful and close the gap. You will also be deceived if you play ignorance, especially if you occupy an important position. Those around you will keep you in the dark, and you will become an instrument for achieving their dark purposes. Watch out for pride. If you jump off the cliff at the slightest pump, you will do what you will regret later.
The King's sleep went when he realised what he had been pushed into. This was an Old Testament idolatrous King in remorse. Can we, in the present day, be remorseful over our mistakes? More so if we are Christians. Do we carry on as if nothing happened when lives are in danger and the faith of many is shaken? I pray for a touch of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The allegations against Daniel were true. He cannot bow to idols. He worshipped the Almighty God and could not lower himself to an idol. No way! Righteousness gives boldness, takes away fear and intimidation and damns every consequence of hell.
Taking this back to ourselves, what den of lions are you in now? Did you lose your job because of your faith? You lost favour, are isolated and about to be killed, neglected, given names or relegated to the back corner. God will surely come through for you. The lion's mouth will be shot, darkness will not consume you, you will get another job, the Holy Spirit will comfort you and not a hair on your head will be missing. It shall be well with you. Only be strong and have good courage. Do not allow anything to move your feet, for you serve a living God.
Just as Daniel did not harm the King, we were not angry with the man for not letting us in. However, our carpets had moulded in the shed due to winter dampness and needed to be disposed of immediately. We had the right heart toward the man, and his sleep went because of us.
Someone's sleep will go because of you. Continue in holiness and righteousness. You are in a good place, well-protected and cared for.
