Even the Pagan Prayed

Daniel 6:15-16 Then the men went as a group to the king and said to him, “Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.” 16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”
 
ONE amazing display of God’s grace comes when persecutors become praying believers. In many accounts of people jailed and tortured for their faith, their devout stand for Christ will be an example to their persecutors. The extraordinary faith stories of lives transformed from murderous intent against God’s people to merciful love for others are told throughout the world.
    To minister to your enemies is faithful discipleship. Jesus preached in the Sermon on the Mount, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:44-45) He reminds and commands us to consider God is love. We are to live in his love to even pray for and love our enemies, so they will witness God’s personal love in their own dark lives.
    Darius had witnessed Daniel’s continual love and service to God. He had watched Daniel’s obedience of God’s law transfer to everyday life to help Daniel be the best administrator in the extensive Persian empire. Darius understood this Hebrew man had a special gift of faith to love and obey God’s laws and to do good in the world.  
    As a result, Darius could trust Daniel. As Daniel was faithful to God’s authority, he would be faithful to the king. In contrast, Darius has learned he cannot trust the other administrators who have plotted to kill Daniel. Surely he is suspicious of their intent as he succumbs to their evil plot.
    Daniel’s life is no longer in Darius’ hands. In response, the pagan king does what a faithful Christian is to do when we encounter fearful danger. Darius prays, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” The suddenly powerless king calls on God’s sovereign protection for his favored servant. Remarkable, isn’t it?
 
John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”