So Daniel has been unjustly accused but saved from the lion's den. Both Darius and Daniel are elated and reunited. But the next part of the verse is the part of the story many children's books leave out.

And the king commanded, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and cast into the den of lions—they, their children, and their wives. And before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces. — Daniel 6:24

Now some people don't like the brutality of this moment because they don't like that women and children were also thrown into the den. But let's be clear, death is a reality for all mankind — even Jesus died. We don't like death because we perceive it in certain situations as inhumane. Therefore we conclude that certain forms or timings of death are unjust. And when God does or does not intervene, we perceive him to be inhumane. But this reasoning makes one primary assumption — that we are perfectly moral and can make more acceptable judgments than God. And we all know that ain't true. 

But there is also one additional caveat in this story. As we know, these officials were malicious and contrived an elaborate scheme against Daniel and king Darius, two of the highest-ranking men in the land. But as they did, they determined the punishment. That the man who disregarded the law would be thrown into the lion's den. But the twist is they ended up determining their fate. So essentially, evil was turned upon itself, and judgment came to them all. So we shouldn't be mad a God. We should be angry at these men because it was the father and husband of each who decided their family's fate.

Fellas, if you are a husband or father today, be careful as you make decisions. Be cautious about the partnerships you develop. Be cautious about the people with whom you spend time. Be careful about the alliances you make. Because every partnership, every relationship, and deal you have has repercussions on your wife and children. They may not result in a judgment like this here, but they will have a ripple effect that will last a very long time. And if you feel convicted about this right now. Cut ties with those people and cancel those deals before it's too late.

ASK THIS: Is there a relationship or a partnership you need to cut ties with today?

DO THIS: Act now.

PRAY THIS: God, be my protector and provider today.

PLAY THIS: Protector.

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