A Bear Skin Rug and a Den of Lions

I remember, as a child, my Momma reading Bible stories out of the old family Bible.
Most of my childhood, we had a round coffee table in our living room that had a bearskin draped across it. And for at least part of my life, that big ol’ Bible rested in the center of the table, on top of that bearskin rug.
If my memory is correct, that Bible had some of the coolest pictures in it as well. The vivid recreation of Bible stories more like a memory than an imagination.
One of those pictures was of Daniel in the lion’s den. The detail in that painting was phenomenal. Daniel standing, looking into the light, with his back to the lions
That painting, as I recently discovered, was the work of Briton Rivière.
The den represented wasn’t what I would have imagined, it was more like a room, a cage, or a prison cell than a wild animal habitat.
The message, though, the determination on Daniel’s face, the hungry lions pacing behind him as if separated by an invisible force or barrier, speaks to the resolve and faith taken to live for God in a world that has turned it’s back on Him. A world that wishes to see God’s people fail.

I had such a wonderful childhood, my parents loved me, my Momma made sure I was exposed to the glorious light of God’s word. It was continually preached, spoken, and lived in front of my eyes.
I had no idea of the battles being fought, the prayers being prayed, or the price being paid for my safety and salvation.  A price that I reap the benefits of today.

When I saw that painting a few days ago, a rush of emotions flooded in. Of my childhood, sitting around that bearskin covered table hearing those stories, seeing them unfold upon the screen of my imagination.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

When I think of what it was like for Daniels and so many others in scripture, I often insert myself in their story. Either standing in the shadows or joining in the fight.  I like to think that I’d be on the side of Right and see God’s miraculous work accomplished before my eyes.  But I’m not always pleased with my own performance in the hard times of my own life. In hindsight, I often wish I’d done things differently or been bolder.

I’m not Daniel, David, Shadrach Meshach, or Abednego. I’m not in the old testament. I’m here, now, living the life that God has given me to live. A good life, a life that has been blessed, blessed with love and peace and miracles and joy.  My battles, to this point, have not included a physical giant, or an actual lion’s den, or fiery furnace. My life has, along with all its blessing, had some trials, some loss, some disappointments. It has also, overwhelmingly, been worth every minute!

As we are traveling in uncharted territory right now, as a planet, I want to remind us of a few things.  History is full of people who thought it was their calling to destroy God.  Even the Apostle Paul started out thinking to destroy the Christian movement and get things back the way they were. Those people had no power, except what God gave them. They have all failed. They are gone, God is here.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day and for ever” as Hebrews 13:8 tells us.
In the natural, it seems we are in a bad spot. Just as all the naysayers and detractors thought that it was surely curtains for Daniel, the enemy sees the church shut down, Christians scattered, believe that God is destroyed and think they’ve won.  Every battle of yesterday belongs to God; it is passed and gone.  Those of today are God’s, not mine.  Now know this, the battles of tomorrow are already His as well. When they arise, it doesn’t catch God off-guard, it doesn’t surprise Him.  Those trials and battles that we’ll be surprised by are already God’s possessions.
God is in control, and we are where we are for a reason.  Again, let me remind us that revival is often the greatest in the midst of persecution. Souls are saved from the pits of hell when the flames of hell seem at their hottest!

As I look into the faces of those around me, I see fear, confusion, doubt, despair, and panic. God didn’t give us that spirit.  He gives us, according to 2nd Timothy 1:7 Power and Love and a Sound Mind.

So, find that picture of Daniel looking toward God with his back to the problem. Remember where all power comes from, Who is in control, regardless of how bad it seems. Find a place to talk to Him and Listen to Him. Then Trust the Only One worthy of praise and worship, for He IS, and He IS in Control!

That Bear Skin reminds me of David’s testimony before King Saul. The Lions Den shows me that God is in control of past, present and future.
He’s forever been God, He’ll Forever Be God and of that I am Certain.

God Bless You Richly,
Greg

Author: Greg Fee

I'm a Husband, Father, Pawpaw and Pastor. I love spending time with my grand-buddies. A minister since 1988, I have been blessed to work in several churches around the U.S and currently am blessed to pastor an Awesome Church. I've also had the pleasure of ministering in faraway places while traveling for work. Some of my greatest honors have been the relationships I gained with several of the modern-day Heros of the Faith, the ministering families all around the world. Several years ago I started working with leather as a means to fight boredom while working in remote areas. It swiftly became a passion that I want to share as well. My plan is to keep spreading God's Love through the written and preached word, through walking the walk, and to keep making cool stuff along the way. Check that out at whisper_n_jack on Instagram View all posts by Greg Fee