Word for the Soul

“Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” Mark 6:34 NLT

This week in our study of the book of Mark we see Jesus as the good shepherd. Leading His disciples to a place of rest which they all desperately needed, Jesus is met by people who had followed Him around the Sea of Galilee to be near Him. Jesus didn’t get upset that His plans were ruined but looked on the people with compassion. He saw them for who they were, sheep without a shepherd.

Our story begins with the disciples returning from their preaching tour Jesus had sent them on. Jesus, naturally, would want a full report of their mission. Recapping their tour of duty was met with constant interruption that Jesus finally said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” (Mk.6:31 nlt) The Bible says the disruptions made it impossible even for them to eat. What is needed most after a long time spent on the road in your job is a good meal when you arrive home. Jesus knew this and suggested they get away from the crowds. “So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.” (Mk.6:32 nlt)

Their destination was the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee near the city of Bethsaida. Their departure didn’t stop the people from following Him. They took the long route walking eight miles along the shore arriving before Jesus who was cutting across the lake which was only four miles. It is possible the disciples’ boat incurred headwinds slowing them down, and it could have been the people were in a hurry not to let Jesus get away from them. Jesus met them as He came to shore with His disciples. Seeing the size of the crowd, the Bible says, “(Jesus) had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.” (Mk.6:34 nlt) The rest and quiet time they were anticipating would have to wait, the sheep need a shepherd.

Jesus was teaching well into the late afternoon when His disciples came to Him saying, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.” (Mk.6:35-36 nlt) Jesus was aware of the hour and it was now time to turn His teaching specifically to the disciples. He told them to give them something to eat. The disciples gave Jesus a logical answer back up by numbers that it would take eight months of wages to feed such a crowd, also calculating the size of the crowd. The Lord was about to test their faith and teach them valuable truths about Himself. ‘“How much bread do you have?’ he asked. ‘Go and find out.’ They came back and reported, ‘We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” (Mk.6:38 nlt) Then Jesus told them to have the people sit down, it’s supper time!

It would do us well to picture the scene of this miraculous feeding of this large group of people. Jesus instructs the people to sit in groups on the green grass. The place is on the northeast shore of the Sea of Galilee. The grass is green signifying it is in the spring after the late winter and early spring rains. Grass in that area becomes dry and brown during the hot summer months. Having them sit down in groups of fifties and hundreds shows an orderly process. Our Lord always does everything in an orderly fashion. It would be smart for us to follow His example in all our endeavors. Jewish festivals in the day used a symmetrical seating of 50 semi-circles of 100 people for easy food distribution. So, this wasn’t uncommon. The Greek word used for ‘groups’ is prasia meaning ‘a garden bed or plot.’ The Wycliffe Bible Commentary describes the place as, ‘a picturesque scene, like beds of flowers with the different colors from all the clothing sitting in groups that can be seen from a distance.’ Yes, Jesus certainly does things in order and in splendid color.

“Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share.” (Mk.6:41 nlt) In the preceding verse the words ‘took’ ‘looked’ ‘blessed’ and ‘break’ or ‘breaking’, are in a simple past tense in the Greek, whereas ‘gave’ is in the imperfect tense meaning ‘kept giving’ as in our text. Here is the miracle occurring. Jesus kept on giving the bread and fish and kept on giving until everyone had something to eat and were satisfied. There were also leftovers which Jesus had the disciples gather up. Twelve baskets in fact, one for each disciple so no one would miss out on their teacher’s lessons.

They learned Jesus is the good shepherd who feeds His sheep. Jesus taught them He was able to feed thousands of people with five loaves and two fishes. The major lesson here is He can supply every need for His sheep. This miracle fulfilled prophecies from the Old Testament concerning the Messiah shepherd. Ezekiel 34:23 says, “And I will set over them one shepherd, my servant David. He will feed them and be a shepherd to them.” (nlt) Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah who was to come. And Isaiah the prophet wrote, “On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines.” (Is.45:6 niv)

Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the shepherd who feeds His sheep, protects His sheep and died for His sheep. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (Jn.10:11 nlt) The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news about the good shepherd who came and laid down His life in order that we may have eternal life by believing in His name. Yes, it’s supper time!

A Christian Perspective

Fraud and Inefficiency (a false balance)

April 19, 2025April 17, 2025 Loring Schultz

“A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1 ESV

The United States’ New Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) released its latest savings report of $155 billion as of April 14, 2025. It is a ‘Combination of asset sales, contract/lease cancellations and renegotiations, fraud and improper payment deletion, grant cancellations, interest savings, programmatic changes, regulatory savings, and workforce reductions.” (1) Living in a fallen world, it should come as no surprise that there would be fraud and inefficiency in those who are to uphold the law. Government, their institutions, their departments, and each agency is run by people, fallen people living in our sin sick world. No government is a machine that is not accountable to its citizens. There needs to be justice.

There is plenty of controversy and political wrangling over some of the cuts made by DOGE in the list above. But it is safe to say there were people with good intentions who approved the money for special programs but then saw an opportunity to siphon money out to non-essential areas, even lining their own pockets. Which brings me to my main point. These tactics damage the credibility and integrity of the government but more specifically, it hurts the people who work in government, both the guilty and the innocent.

For Christians working in government, now is the time for them to show grace to those impacted by the uncovering of the abuse of power over the years. Perhaps they find themselves being caught in the game of politics participating in the expansion of irrelevant programs passed off as essential, or under the guise of something else. King Solomon knew a lot about politics, government, and money. He wrote, “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.” (Pr.11:1 esv) The Lord expects honesty and justice within the governments on the earth. All authority comes from Him and He delegates it to those He chooses. Those in positions of leadership in the government are accountable to its citizens and to God. It’s a good thing to make the country more efficient and get rid of fraud, but a better thing to change hearts and minds of those who are using ‘a false balance.’

(1) DOGE: Department of Government Efficiency

Devotionals

An Incomplete Easter

April 18, 2025April 15, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:12-22 NIV – The Resurrection of the Dead – But if – Bible Gateway

“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22 NIV

“Two-thirds of Americans say they believe Jesus physically rose from the dead, with nearly half of Americans saying they “strongly” believe in the historical event that forms the core of Easter, according to a Lifeway Research survey.” (1)

I suppose the above statement could be considered good news that over half the people in the United States believe Jesus rose from the dead. But the bad new is 113 million people in America do not believe in the resurrection of Christ. Even among some Christians today, the resurrection is not fully embraced of actually occurring. What many fail to realize, even a few Christians, is that without Jesus’ resurrection there is no hope for any of us. The apostle Paul wrote, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1Cor.15:17 niv) If we are still in our sins there is no resurrection for us and we are dead, to remain dead, and sure of a Christless eternity.

We are all sons and daughters of Adam with our sin nature punishable by death, physically and spiritually, but Paul continues to write, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1Cor.15:20-22 niv) We are made alive through Jesus’ resurrection. Our salvation and eternal life demand that Jesus both died and rose from the dead. Don’t celebrate an incomplete Easter. We are made alive in Christ because of His resurrection, our only hope.

(1) Two-Thirds of Americans Believe Jesus Physically Rose from the Dead: Survey – Michael Foust

Devotionals

The Bible’s Affect

April 17, 2025April 16, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 119:169-176 NLT – Taw O LORD, listen to my cry; give me – Bible Gateway

Books have had a tremendous impact throughout history. Individually, multiple lives have changed from reading a book. Societies have been formed based on some writings from influential people. Educational institutions have thousands upon thousands of books covering every facet of education. Public and school libraries place books of all categories on their shelves for the information seeker, the knowledge and self-help seeker, the avid reader, and for those looking for sure enjoyment. In one way or another, each book will influence the reader if read carefully seeking the author’s intent.

The Bible is no different. It will influence you and have the biggest effect on your life than any other book. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie lists five affects’ that God’s Word has on those who read it with the proper intent.

1. The Word affects the mind. “O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.” (Ps.119:169 nlt) Asking God to give you a discerning mind is guaranteed because He promises to do so. As we read Scripture, we will develop a desire to know more and understand more.

2. The Word affects the mouth. “Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees. Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right.” (Ps.119:171-172 nlt) Understanding that all God’s ordinances are just and right will result in praise to Him.

3. The Word affects the will. “Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments.” (Ps.119:173 nlt) Realizing God’s commands are right; we choose to follow them.

4. The Word affects the emotions. “O LORD, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight.” (Ps.119:174 nlt) We can’t help but be emotional when God rescues from the darkness of sin within us.

5. The Word affects the conscience. “I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.” (Ps.119:176 nlt) As we read the Bible and begin to understand it there will be a growing knowledge of how far we drift away on the daily basis. We ask the Lord, our shepherd to come and find us and bring us back into the fold.

The Bible’s affect will change your life and encourage you daily. It is the most influential book ever written. Other books have the potential to change your present life, but only God’s Word can change your present life and change your future destiny in eternity. It’s time to take it off the shelf and read it.

Devotionals

Water to Quench Your Soul

April 16, 2025April 15, 2025 Loring Schultz

“Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, ‘Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink!’ For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” John 4:37-38 NLT

It is springtime in Pennsylvania, and I once again started my weekly chore of mowing our lawn. I couldn’t help but notice the brown patches still part of our lawn from last year’s drought. In fact, we are not totally out of the woods yet, needing a few more healthy rain events. Water is essential for growth and life itself. The rain we had caused the grass to grow in areas not severely affected by lack of rain last summer. But much more water and sun are needed to bring the entire lawn back to complete health.

Our spiritual lives can become dry as a drought driven patch of grass. Just as water is essential for our very lives, so is the spiritual water Jesus offers us essential for our spiritual lives. We first need it to save our souls from spiritual death to eternal life. As Jesus told the woman at the well, “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (Jn.4:14 nlt) Jesus is the spiritual water we need for salvation and eternal life. He offers it to us freely. Jesus is authorized to do so for He paved the way by dying on the cross for our sins recognized this Good Friday and rising from the dead on Easter morning to secure our eternal life.

Spiritual water is also needed for our souls to be refreshed daily by Jesus through prayer and reading His Word. As Christians our eternal home may be secured, but we still need daily spiritual water to help us grow, be fruitful, and not become a dried-up patch of grass. It is easy to develop a thirst for the things of the world, but soon we find out it never satisfies, yet we keep drinking from the fountain without quenching our souls. The Lord Jesus has the water to guarantee our salvation and to quench our thirsty souls. Why not take a drink from Jesus’ fountain today.

Devotionals

Jesus’ Thoughts Towards Us

April 15, 2025April 14, 2025 Loring Schultz

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.” Matthew 23:37 NLT

Have you thought about the thoughts Jesus has about you? He does have thoughts about each of us. Jesus knows what we think about Him, good and bad. You may say, ‘how could we have bad thoughts about Jesus?’ Well, there are several ways. Using Jesus’ name in a way that doesn’t praise Him but expresses your anger is one way. Finding His Words in the New Testament as subject to debate or not believing them casts doubt if you really believe who He is. That would be a bad thought. Perhaps avoiding conversations about Him among friends as to not come across ‘as one of those.’ And yes, many of us do have good endearing thoughts about the one who saved us from our sins.

Jesus thinks about us all the time. There is never a moment we are not on His mind. We know this from the example He left us in His thoughts for the people of Jerusalem. Jesus rode into the city that first Palm Sunday under a huge fanfare but it wasn’t genuine for most of them. He was concerned for the people of the city for their lack of understanding who He was. After rebuking the Pharisees once again Jesus cried out, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.” (Mt.23:37 nlt) Even though Israel was wrong about so many things including the ancient prophets, Jesus wanted to shelter, protect them, and save them. But as Jesus said, they wouldn’t let Him.

Let us rest assured Jesus thinks about us the same way. His concern for us is the same as it was for the people of Jerusalem. Even if we have blasphemed Him and have no regard for His Word or those who preach it. Even if we constantly are going our own way and doing our own thing because it feels right, Jesus’ thoughts are the same towards us, to gather us as a hen protects her chicks. Why don’t we let Him carry out His thoughts about us once again this week to shelter, protect, and save us for we were also on His mind that first Good Friday on the cross at Calvary.

Devotionals

Light to Dispel the Darkness

April 14, 2025April 13, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 21:1-11 NIV – Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King – As – Bible Gateway

“The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’” Matthew 21:9 NIV

This week we enter Holy Week (Passion Week) as is referred to by Christians across the world. It starts with the celebration of Palm Sunday when Christ made His triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem. Perhaps you attended services yesterday where this was the sermon for the week. It began with a light of freedom on Sunday for the followers of Jesus who laid down palm branches before Him as He rode into Jerusalem. It ended in darkness for those followers who were looking for a king to overthrow Rome and grant them independence and economic freedom. But that is not the whole story and Jesus came to earth.

The story begins in the gospel of John chapter 1 where it says, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it……The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” (Jn.1:4-5, 9-11 niv) John wrote the ‘true light’ was coming into the world to give us light in this dark world. All of us in the world have scales of darkness over our eyes because of sin. We can only see darkness around us in this world in which we live controlled by the evil one. Jesus came as the light of the world to remove the scales from our eyes, taking us from darkness into the light and granting us salvation through His death, burial, and resurrection.

The crowd laying down their cloaks and palm branches had it half right when they shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David.’ Jesus is the Son of David who came in the name of the Lord, but He came to save mankind from the darkness of sin, not freedom from evil governments and the darkness of the world. We live in a dark world, but every Christian has the light of Christ within them to display before others and to lead us in the direction He wants us to go.

Bible Studies

“Don’t Neglect the Spirit” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

April 13, 2025April 12, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 6:14-29 NLT – The Death of John the Baptist – Herod – Bible Gateway

“For Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.” Mark 6:20 NLT

This week in Sunday’s Biblical Insights we have a story not for the squeamish, the brutal beheading of John the Baptist. The tragic event will unfold against the backdrop of bewilderment, superstition, immorality, resentment, and neglecting the Spirit. The gruesome act against John the Baptist is matched by Herod Antipas’ cutting away his soul by not responding to the conflict within himself. Human beings created in the image of God have an innate instinct to know right from wrong. When the spirit convinces us our way of living is wrong and we do nothing about it, we set ourselves up for a tragic end, even hurting other people in the process. Herod Antipas neglected the spirit, and it cost John the Baptist his life, and cost Herod his eternal soul.

We begin with the breaking news around Israel of reports of a man performing miracles of healing, casting out demons, causing concern among officials in the mixed reactions of the people. It didn’t take long for the news to reach the ears of Herod, who was the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. Herod’s first reaction to the news about Jesus was “John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead.” (Mk.6:16 nlt) Being riddled with a guilty conscience and prone to superstition, Herod thought John the Baptist had come back to haunt him. Some of the people agreed with Herod’s assumption about Jesus. Many others thought Jesus was Elijah who was prophesized to appear before the Messiah would appear. Others supposed Jesus to be another one of the many prophets who had come in the tradition of the Old Testament, and still others presumed Him to be another Moses who had come to lead the people.

The seed to John the Baptist’s demise was planted by John himself as he continually called out Herod Antipas for his infidelity. He not only put Herod on notice, but Herodias as well, who left her husband for an adulterous affair with Herod. In fact, the whole Herodian dynasty was the subject of John’s continual rebukes. Herodias married her half Uncle Philip who was Herod Antipas’ brother. Herod was married to the daughter of Aretas, king of Arabia, but divorced her and sent her away. John’s rebuke was straight to the point, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.” (Mk.6:18 nlt)

Herodias was filled with resentment towards John and wanted him killed for his non-stop criticism of her relationship with Herod. Herod had John arrested and put in prison to satisfy Herodias, but more importantly to protect John. It was here where Herod and John had more hard conversations. Herod respected John, knowing he was a good, decent, and holy man. Scripture says Herod was greatly disturbed (perplexed) when he spoke with him. The Greek word for ‘perplexed’ is ‘aporeō’ meaning ‘doubt’ or ‘to be without a way.’ Something triggered Herod’s conscience that he kept going back to John and enjoying the time with him. John, no doubt, left Herod with internal moral conflict.

The grudge against John the Baptist Herodias held did not subside. She cunningly and patiently waited for the right time to put a decisive plan in place to kill John by having Herod order it himself. The occasion was a birthday party for Herod with his high ranking civil and military officers in attendance. Herodias’ daughter performed an exotic suggestive dance before Herod and his guests. It was highly unprecedented for a princess to perform such a dance but was reserved for servant girls to perform. Herod’s moral lapse from his drinking and the dance led him to offer a pledge to Herodias’ daughter, “Ask me for anything you like, and I will give it to you. I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom” (Mk.6:22-23 nlt) Of course giving away half the kingdom is a figure of speech not to be taken seriously, but Herodias’ plan was about to be signed, sealed, and delivered.

“She went out and asked her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ Her mother told her, ‘Ask for the head of John the Baptist!’” (Mk.6:25 nlt) The girl callously came back and said, “I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!” (Mk.6:25 nlt) It was now too late now for Herod to change his mind. It would have been better to give her half the kingdom. With all his guests looking on, Herod would not refuse her and immediately sent an executioner to carry out his order to behead John the Baptist. We question why Herod would go through with her very savage request. Several reasons come into play. An oath was considered binding and unbreakable in those days, no matter how cruel or unsensible. Again, his guests just witnessed the dance and the pledge he made to his satisfaction. And perhaps a bigger reason was Herod’s failure to allow the spirit to work in him as he spoke with John many times.

Herod Antipas, being grieved deeply regretted his actions of promising to give Herodias’ daughter anything she asked for and then carrying out the request. Spur of the moment decisions are never good, even worse when our heart and mind is not right with God but centered on our own lusts and desires. Herod lived such a self-centered life, but God gave him plenty of opportunities hearing John the Baptist’ rebukes to correct the wrongs in his life. May we not neglect the spirit when He points out anything in our lives that is not pleasing to Him. We can be sure God will make it known to us because it displeases Him and He wants us to make it right. Don’t neglect the spirit as Herod did but listen to His voice when it comes to you from wherever and whoever.

A Christian Perspective

Israel’s Future, Our Future

April 12, 2025April 8, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Isaiah 54:11-17 NLT – “O storm-battered city, troubled and – Bible Gateway

“You will be secure under a government that is just and fair. Your enemies will stay far away. You will live in peace, and terror will not come near.” Isaiah 54:14 NLT

Scanning the news coming out of the Middle East over the last 18 months, there seems to be little progress to the end of the war between the terror group Hamas and the nation of Israel. The fact is that region of the world has been unsettling for centuries and will continue to be so until Christ returns and establishes His earthly kingdom. There will be peace in Jerusalem one day. Our prayers are not in vain when we pray, “Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.” (Ps.122:6 nlt)

On that future day, Jesus Christ Himself will rule the world from Jerusalem. He will rebuild His holy city. “O storm-battered city, troubled and desolate! I will rebuild you with precious jewels and make your foundations from lapis lazuli.” (Is.54:11 nlt) Jerusalem, all of Israel, the entire Middle East, and all the world will live in peace. A new real sheriff will be in town. “You will be secure under a government that is just and fair.” (Is.54:14a nlt)

When we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, we pray for so much more than the present day. We do pray for periods of peace when guns are not firing, and rockets are not in the air. We do pray for all people in the region to live and work together in the midst of their differences. We do pray for leaders across the world to assist in negotiating peaceful resolutions for our day. But we are ultimately praying for the day when we know there will finally be peace in Jerusalem, the Middle East, and the world.

That day is the day of the Lord’s return to earth. It will happen. There are many references to these future events in Scripture. Jesus spoke of His future kingdom while here on earth 2,000 years ago. It is a sure thing. It’s time for us to wrap our minds around the thought of Israel’s glorious future which will be every Christian’s glorious future. The present days may seem dark and without hope, but there is a future day that is bright with the guaranteed hope of peace in Jerusalem and for all the world.

Devotionals

Is God Seen in You?

April 11, 2025April 9, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 6:11-23 NLT – Then the officials went together to – Bible Gateway

“May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” Daniel 6:16 NLT

I once read, ‘if Christianity was outlawed in your country, would there be enough evidence to convict you?’ You’re not the only one who can answer that. Others all around you and me would be able to answer that question with no problem. What evidence would be brought either to confirm or debunk the accusations against you? Would you be able to stand by with confidence the truth of the evidence for or against you? Will others see God in you and me, or will they see just ourselves?

King Darius saw God in the prophet Daniel who worked for him as one of his top officials in his administration. The king was faced with having Daniel thrown into a den of lions for breaking one of the king’s irrational laws he signed in his pride and arrogance. Although Darius did not know the God of heaven, he saw Him at work in Daniel. Daniel’s work ethic, honesty, knowledge in business and government affairs match his reputation for his outstanding previous service. Darius saw a man with great faith in his God who was blessed by Him. His words to Daniel as he was about to seal off the lions’ den were, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” (Dan.6:16 nlt) It wouldn’t have surprised me if Darius said after that, ‘I’ll see you in the morning.’ Darius saw God in Daniel.

For others to perceive favorable outcomes in our life due to our faith in God and witness Him in control of our life is what you, me, and all Christians need to strive for. The way others see us handle setbacks needs to be seen as God works through us. I believe Darius saw that in Daniel as well. After all, Daniel was being thrown into a den of lions. We need to answer the question, ‘Is God seen in us? Would there be enough evidence to get us thrown in the lions’ den?’ Oh, and by the way, Darius did see Daniel in the morning.