Redemption

Daniel 6:23-28 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. 24 At the king's command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions' den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them. 25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land: “May you prosper greatly! 26 “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. 27 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.” 28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
 
HERE again is an image of the Christ to come who will redeem the world. Out of the cave comes God’s faithful servant. Daniel is set free from death through God’s power in the lion’s den. Then the earthly king judges the wicked, and the accused Daniel is made innocent and glorified to Persia’s throne. As did Nebuchadnezzar earlier, Darius praises God with the powerful confession, “He rescues and he saves.” Daniel prospered under Darius’ favor. It is quite possible this event led to Darius’ determination to release the Jews from exile to rebuild their home and temple in Jerusalem.
    Out of the tomb, Christ has come. Raised by the Spirit, the Father has elevated the Son who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand — with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. (1 Peter 3:22) From there we learn in Revelation 19:15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.  
    The Holy Triune God demonstrates to an accusing world his dominion is supreme and forever. As we labor in a world opposing, accusing world, let’s always know who holds the future in his hands.
 
Romans 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.