They came in the night, first for the children, as if they had been the greatest offenders. Then for the women, who had given their lives for the children. Then they came for the soldier, servant, and sovereign alike — and they were all made equals.

Equally exiled. Made to stand for that which they did not believe. Made to bow to he who was not their king.

But three refused, choosing fire over their fear. And that fire would bring a fourth, making real power undeniably clear. What threat is he who brings the heat, if the God who created fire is not known by that king? For flames that don't burn aren't cold or weak, they're refining and fierce, and show up for the meek.

Rulers grew strong and great, building kingdoms for the whole world to see!

"Look what I've created! See just how beautiful and mighty! Now no one can question my power and splendor! Long live the king!"

But power, it pales in the presence of the holy. And The Most High gets to choose the fate — of those who lead by standing on others and claiming to be great.

Standing on the shoulders of the weak, it won't make you tall. They will crumble under the weight of false glory, and your arrogance will swallow you as you fall.

It was written on the wall, but the proud can't read. So they wasted their days away with feasting and drink.

They defied the Lord of Heaven, insulting His name. They sang praises to idols, giving honor to things made.

"Long live the king!" even though he's confused by his greed. For there is another who has the power of God! "Let him read!"

So he came forth, and he rebuked them all. "Your time is up, my king. Keep the gold and treasure you love so much, for they will be lost the moment you fall."

"Long live the king" declared those with hate in their hearts. For they manipulate and scheme. They would slander the faithful ones driven by their envy and greed.

And one who was accused, would be thrown down to his death. But death would not touch him, for even the beasts know from where they draw breath.

The sun set, and he was sealed in like a tomb. A stone closed him in, intending to be his doom.

And as the sun rose, so did he who didn't believe. He ran to where he had abandoned his servant and fell to his knees.

"My friend and servant — tell me you're alive! Tell me the God you serve so faithfully didn't let you die!"

"There's nothing to fear!" Cried out his servant, unharmed by the beasts. For Yahweh is the God of the lions, the God of all that lives and breathes. He has found me without guilt, and his justice will bring peace.

Your kingdom is strong, and your reign has grown wider. But one day, a great storm will come. You'll sharpen your swords, but iron will melt in the fire. I will tremble only, before the God who rescues and saves. For He has shown mercy to His people, and wiped the shame from my face. Who am I, to shake my fist at you in rage? For my sins against my God are far greater than your sins against me today.

So send to the people of every race, nation, and tongue. Tell them the Living God endures forever! Tell them what He's done! For he has shut the mouths of the beasts and with them the mouths of those who'd speak lies. The one who has the power over truth has spoken, and I am innocent in His eyes.

Not because I deserve my freedom, or for anything I've done. But because my God has been kind to me, and I wait eagerly for His anointed one. The beasts will not spare Him, although He is blameless and pure. They will come in the night, just as they did before. They will take hold of the innocent one, and put Him in chains. No soldier, servant, or sovereign will come to his aid. Those who love Him, will watch and wait.

Exiled, abandoned, and alone. He'll accept death at the hands of those who should bow at His throne.

I will tremble, in fear and in awe. But not at the one who imprisons himself with his own seal and trips over his own law. For the innocent one will rise, and those who oppose Him will fall.

Those who love him, they will shine like stars, as airs to the one, who defeated death with its own power, the one they will call the Son.

And I will be among them, on that day, in the end. The inheritance of the Living God will be mine, and the glory will be His.

I have served my God faithfully, just as you have said. I have not wronged you, your majesty. I've been here quietly, while you've been restless in your bed.

The living God reigns, and one day, He will be known by all of man. (On that day it won't just be me saved, for the world will be turned upside down) what's broken will be made new, and the lions will bow to the Lamb.

Know that I am not against you, your majesty. I've given my life to my Lord, so there is nothing you can take from me. I hold nothing against those who've been placed over me. For over them is the living God. In life; I am his, and in death; I am freed. I will rise from this den, but fall to my knees. There I will stay, laying all I have at his feet.

All glory, honor, and praise to my God.

And long live the king.