Today in Bible class, I had the privilege of teaching about Daniel and the lions den. Everything was going smoothly until . . . we read Daniel 6:24. In the New International Version it reads, At the king's command, the men who falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the loins' den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floored of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed their bones. To my 3rd and 4th graders this was absolutely horrifying. I am not a biblical scholar at all and trying to explain that "innocent" women and children were killed because their husbands/fathers were evil was not an easy task. I told them that this was before Jesus and the ability for us to have a personal relationship with God. I also explained that in the Old Testament it states the sins of the father were on the children for generations. One young lady was still mortified. I tried to explain that the children were raised by these evil men and might grow up to be evil as well. I know that was a very judgmental thing to say but when we were under the law there was only judgment. My last attempt was to compare it to when someone is being abused at home by family members, sometimes they become bullies at school. My young lady that was mortified said but that isn't under their control. They can't help that. I said you are right that is why we need to show them grace just like Jesus does for us when we aren't our best. We build relationships not judgements. I don't know if I said was right or even helpful but I think she understood that grace is better than judgement. I am thankful for the grace of God in sending Jesus to die for my sins.
