Article April 22, 1916 Issue

King Darius' Question

ANNIE P. FURBER

The sixth chapter of the book of Daniel is a well-spring of spiritual inspiration to the student of Christian Science who has seen instances of the power of divine Love to heal sickness and sin. Believing the Scripture to be true that declares Christ to be "the same yesterday, and today, and forever," the deliverance of Daniel from the lions is recognized as an instance of the ever-present and almighty protecting power of divine Love. It is natural, therefore, that when beset by perplexities and problems which often appear as formidable and dangerous as veritable lions, the student should turn to the Bible story of Daniel to refresh his thought by musing on the prophet's implicit faith and confidence in God, and to strive to realize that the same God is still "a very present help in trouble."

As Daniel may be taken for an example of the God-protected man, so may the Persian king Darius be regarded as a prototype of those seekers after Truth who at this time are reading the Bible in the light of a new hope, the hope that there is present today as of old a power to heal and save. Of this we are assured by our revered Leader on page 150 of Science and Health when she says: "Today the healing power of Truth is widely demonstrated as an immanent, eternal Science, instead of a phenomental exhibition. Its appearing is the coming anew of the gospel of 'on earth peace, good will toward men.'" The deep interest taken by the powerful king in the fate of Daniel, shown by his night of anxiety and restlessness, his fasting and gloom, indicates that he realized that the Hebrew captive in his ability to rely absolutely on his God possessed something which he as king with all his pomp and splendor had not, and he hoped even while he feared that Daniel would be able to prove his confidence to be founded on invincible Truth.

So it was that the king went very early in the morning to the den of lions and cried out sorrowfully, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" Wonderful indeed came the answer: "O king, live forever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me." This startling answer is being given again in this age to those who, in their search for Truth, are coming to the Christian Science Wednesday evening meetings, there to hear if possible words which shall add to their hope, courage, and confirmation. They come from every condition in life. The learned man, who finds that all his lore cannot keep him from physical and mental decrepitude; the rich man, who has learned that all his wealth cannot save a beloved child; the widow, hoping that her oil and meal fail not in her dark hour; the business man, who sees his health and acumen failing and fears financial ruin; the sinner, loaded with his galling chains; the invalid, upon whom has been pronounced the sentence of death,—all crying in their hearts as did King Darius, "O servant of the living God, is thy God able to deliver us from the lions of sin, of sickness, even of death?"

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

King Darius' Question

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access