Hero of Heroes

Who’s the Hero of Heroes?

In the book of Daniel, we learn about Daniel – a devoted man of God who served in the palace among other highly esteemed men (Daniel 1:3-6). He served different types of kings in his lifetime. God gifted him with favour and the ability to interpret all kinds of visions and dreams. Known for his outstanding abilities, handsome good looks (Daniel 1:4), wisdom and courage – Daniel had it all! He’s a hero! But when we read about Daniel we see that the true HERO of HEROES was God working through him.

Daniel’s faith – the lions den.

King Darius was reigning in this time and he liked Daniel very much due to his exceptional abilities. So the King wanted to appoint Daniel to the highest position in the kingdom. When the administrators and governors heard about this they were jealous because he had such favour with the King. So they wanted to find him guilty of something but knew Daniel wasn’t guilty of anything. So they had to get crafty..

…the administrators and the governors tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

Daniel 6:4-5

So these administrators and governors went as a group to the king and said:

“May King Darius live forever! The royal administrators, prefects, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.  Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” So King Darius put the decree in writing.

Daniel 6:6-9

The men knew how devoted Daniel was to God. So they easily caught him praying as he normally did. With the new decree in place, King Darius had no choice but to throw him into the lions den. But THIS is the redemption story…

The Lord rescues Daniel, the Hero of heroes.

An angel of the Lord came to rescue Daniel by shutting the mouths of the lions. When the King approached the lions den – Daniel answered him…

“May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Daniel 6:21-23

The Hero of Heroes – Jesus.

Since we are focusing on the hero of heroes, we look at Jesus in this story. Where can we see Jesus in this story through Daniel?

Daniel was innocent and yet charged and sentenced to his death. Jesus was a truly perfect man without fault and charged to his death. Mark 14:55 says, “The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any.”

Faith is not based on our own possible outcomes but on the eternal communion with God.

Daniel did not die of this persecution, but the possibility was around every corner. Jesus died, and rose again, both were faithful through persecution even to the point of possible death. This is a good example because it shows us how faith is not based on our own possible outcomes. But rather on the certain outcome of eternal communion with God. We need to have this eternal perspective. This depth of relationship doesn’t necessarily remove suffering and pain, but can bring a layer of peace to our lives.

Trust in the HERO of HEROES that lives in YOU.

Like Daniel and Jesus we too can have a personal relationship with God – through prayer. Daniel prayed three times a day to posture his heart towards God. Daniel 6:10, “…Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God”. Jesus himself often withdrew from large crowds to be alone with the Father to pray. Luke 5:16, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed”. We too need to find ways in our daily routine that posture our hearts to God. Making time for our relationship with God will grow our faith in Him. Be bold like Daniel and embrace Jesus – the HERO of HEROES who lives in you!