There’s a Lion in the Street

Recently in a Bible study group, we read the account in 2 Kings 17:24-41 of the repopulation of Samaria after Israel was taken captive by Assyria. Verse 25 states, “ . . . at the beginning of their dwelling there, they feared not the Lord; therefore, the Lord sent lions among them, which killed some of them.” The people, who were accustomed to doing everything they could to appease their pagan gods, concluded that “ . . . they [lions] are killing them [people] because they [people] do not know the rituals of the God of the land.” (v 26). The King of Assyria commanded that a priest be brought back out of captivity to instruct the people how to fear the Lord. The irony of that is both humorous and heartbreaking!

My purpose is not to discuss how that scenario played out. What caught my attention was that the people were terrified of the lions. I immediately contrasted that with Daniel who submitted meekly and humbly as the guards bound him and led him away to a den of hungry lions ready to pounce on the first available prey. The guards sealed the den so there was no means of escape. We are not told if Daniel expected to be rescued or expected to die. We can only speculate that he was confident that his faithful devotion to God would be vindicated. Scripture does not record that Daniel uttered any “last words” as he was thrown into the den. Rather, it was King Darius who said, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you” (Dan 6:16).

After a sleepless night, the King arose early, went immediately to the lions’ den, and called out, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” (v 20)

Daniel affirmed that “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you” (v 22). The guards verified that Daniel had no injuries, “ . . . because he believed in his God” (v 23).

Parenthetical observation: Daniel always, always, always acknowledged that it was God who gave him wisdom and protected him. He never, never, never feared the king’s commands. Daniel’s unwavering faith and reliance on God was a testimony to three Babylonian kings (Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, Belshazzar).

God is sovereign over the affairs of men and has all creation at His disposal to use as He pleases to accomplish His purposes. He can send fierce lions to exact judgment on those who reject Him; or He can subdue hungry lions so they do not harm His choice servant.

What kind of lions are stalking you today? Are you wavering in your faith? Do you have doubts and fears? Are you serving God with your whole heart? Are you giving God the glory and honor He is due?

Perhaps you are like the lazy man in Proverbs 22:13 who says, “ . . . There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!” This is the attitude of one who cowers in fear and refuses to act upon the known will of God. Fear of rejection. Fear of humiliation. Fear of failure. Such a one must make sure the safety net is in place before taking that first step. There is no faith involved in this kind of attitude.

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” (Prov. 28:1)

Many of our fears are unfounded, imaginary “what ifs” that cripple our faith and immobilize us. There is only one lion that we are instructed to fear.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (I Pet. 5:8)

Satan opposes God and wants nothing more than to destroy Christians. He may do this by destroying our faith (“hath God said?”—Gen 3:1), by destroying our testimony (“for [Lot] dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds”—2 Pet 2:8) or by entrapping us in fear (“The fear of man brings a snare.”—Prov 29:25).

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (Jam. 4:7)

This resistance is not a “one and done” proposition. Satan may flee for a time, but he will return. His pursuit of us is relentless. We are not to cower in fear. Instead, we must be watchful, on guard, always aware that the lion may be lurking beside us, behind us, or just around the next corner. The greatest danger is in thinking we can handle him by ourselves. We are instructed in Ephesians 6:11 to

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

We must not fail to put on the armor: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. We must not take off the armor when things are going great, and we are feeling strong.

“Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (I Cor. 10:12)

“Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” (I Jn. 4:4)

Is there a lion on your street? Can you face that lion with confidence that God is in control? Are you living so that the Accuser cannot find any chinks in your armor? Are you willing to take a courageous step of faith wherever God may lead?

As we prepare for battle, follow God’s battle plan, and trust the outcome to Him, we can say with Daniel, “my God has shut the lions’ mouths.”