11.12

Even More Consequences of Accessing Grace through Faith "Who through faith stopped the
mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire. (Hebrews 11:33b-34a)"

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" (Hebrews 11:33a). Yet, through these lives we can see
even more blessed 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" (Daniel 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" (Daniel 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" (Daniel 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" (Daniel 6:23).

These testimonies also record that they "quenched the violence of fire." This would
clearly refer to three contemporaries of Daniel: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Through
faith, they had courage to refuse worship of 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" (Daniel 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" (1 Peter 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" (Isaiah
43:2-3).

"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."