In Daniel 6 Daniel distinguished himself over everyone else. They became jealous and tried to get him in trouble. They convinced King Darius to decree that only the king should be worshiped. If they do they will be thrown into a den of lions. Daniel, of course, prayed to God. The others told the king about Daniel. The king didn’t want to hurt Daniel but knew that his law could not be revoked. He threw Daniel into the lions’ den. The next day he went to see what had become of Daniel. Daniel was safe because God had sent angels to shut the lions’ mouths. The king gladly released Daniel and instead put those who had accused him into the lions’ den. They were all killed.

Darius acknowledged the power of God and ordered everyone to fear Him. Daniel continued to prosper.

Daniel 7 goes back to the first year of Belshazzar’s reign. Daniel had a vision about four beasts. His dream was very similar to Nebuchadnezzar’s. The beast represented four kings who were followed by other kings, all of whom eventually fell. God then established his eternal kingdom.

2 John 1 is written to a church that is called the elect lady a personification of “ekklesia” the feminine word for church in Greek. Her children are its members. The members are encouraged to follow Christ’s commandment of love.

They are also warned of some who are coming into the church who do not have faith in Christ. They are told not be deceived by these people or welcome them into their church. This will only bring trouble to the community of faith.

We must be careful. Yes, we are called to love others, but we must be mindful of those who would cause trouble in the church through wrong teachings or destructive behavior. We can continue to show them love while protecting the faithful from being misled. We do not have accept everyone into the community of faith if they are unwilling to turn to Christ.