Hebrews 11:33-34
Who through faith . . . stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire.
What of Today’s Verse…
Through various testimonies of God’s servants, we have considered some consequences of accessing grace through faith. By trusting in the Lord, they “subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises” (Heb_11:33). Yet, through these lives, we can see even more consequences.
Through faith in God, they “stopped the mouths of lions.” This is clearly a reference to Daniel. His enemies conspired to trap him through a new law that would ban prayer to God. “Whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king shall be cast into the den of lions” (Dan_6:7). Such a godless decree could never stop Daniel from his daily practice of prayer. “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days” (Dan_6:10). The reluctant king (who respected Daniel greatly) had to apply the irreversible law. “So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions” (Dan_6:16). The next day, Daniel was found alive, rescued by the God in whom he had trusted. “So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God” (Dan_6:23).
These testimonies also include that they “quenched the violence of fire.” This would clearly refer to three contemporaries of Daniel: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. They were given courage through faith to refuse worship before the king’s idol, even though a fiery furnace awaited them. After God preserved them intact, the king extolled the Lord with understanding. “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who . . . delivered His servants who trusted in Him” (Dan_3:28).
By faith, we, too, can stop the mouth of the lion that threatens us. “Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith” (1Pe_5:8-9). Also, by faith in the promises of God, we can quench the violence of fiery trials that come against us. “When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God” (Isa_43:2-3).
Let us Pray:
Dear Lord, what a comfort to know that lions and fires are no threat to You. Lord, grant me the courage to do what is pleasing in Your sight, no matter who comes against me. When the roaring adversary attacks, may I trust in You? When fiery circumstances blaze, may I turn to You, for Your glory, Amen.
Words of Wisdom
Reflections of the Lord’s Beauty
The portion of other men fills their bodies and enriches their children, but the portion of the believer is of another sort. Men of the world have their treasure in this world, but men of the world to come look higher and further.
Our possession is twofold. We have God’s presence here and His likeness hereafter. Here we behold the face of the Lord in righteousness, for we are justified in Christ Jesus. Oh, the joy of beholding the face of a reconciled God! The glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ yields us heaven below, and it will be to us the heaven of heaven above.
But seeing does not end it: we are to be changed into that which we gaze upon. We shall sleep a while and then wake up to find ourselves as mirrors, which reflect the beauties of our Lord. Faith sees God with a transforming look. The heart receives the image of Jesus into its own depths, until the character of Jesus is imprinted on the soul. This is satisfaction. To see God and to be like Him – what more can I desire. David’s assured confidence is here by the Holy Ghost made to be the Lord’s promise. I believe it. I expect it. Lord, vouchsafe it. Amen
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. Psalm 17:15
