Deliverance

“There is something in us, as storytellers and as listeners to stories, that demands the redemptive act, that demands that what falls at least be offered the chance to be restored.” -Flannery O’Connor

The tale is legendary in my family. After a few times on country roads with my Dad, I felt confident in my ability to drive. I borrowed my Grandparent’s car to “cruise the strip” (which was a thing you did in small towns in the 90’s) and to grab some Taco Bell with a friend.

Except I was only 14.

And for obvious reasons, I didn’t ask to use the car.

I found the keys while everyone was gone, and headed out for a chili cheese burrito. All was well! On my way home I stopped to top off the gas. I turned my head, and pulling up at the pump beside me were my parents.

I had a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach, and it wasn’t because of the burrito. Everything had gone terribly wrong and there was no one to blame but myself.

In Daniel 6, it seems Daniel is the lead actor. That’s how the story is generally told. Despite the king’s orders, he refused to stop praying to Yahweh, and even dared to do so three times a day! In front of an open window where he was sure to be seen! Thrown into the lions’ den, the Lord miraculously delivered him and saved him from harm! Surely we should all “dare to be a Daniel”!

Daniel was certainly delivered, and while it is an amazing story of God’s supernatural protection, it’s easy to miss the equally miraculous deliverance of Darius from the consequence of his sin.

The decree Darius issued when his pride was stoked by evil men, meant that Daniel, someone he cared a great deal for, would have to die. After the stone was placed over the mouth of the lions’ den, Darius himself would have to seal it with his own signet ring. Darius couldn’t eat. He couldn’t sleep. Everything had gone terribly wrong and there was no one to blame by himself.

And yet, the God of Daniel gives salvation both to the one in the pit, and to the one whose sin put him there. He’s the God of redemption and He writes a new, and better story, for all those who call upon Him.

“May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” Darius said to Daniel as he was thrown into the lion’s den. It was a prayer of desperation that God was faithful to answer.

Today, if you’re desperate, cry out to Jesus. His body was broken to give you the chance to be restored. Will you let him write a new ending to your story?

Natalie