And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase. (1 Kings 13:24)
Prophets often meet lions, but as long as they are on errands for God they need have no fear. No man can have greater boldness, no man has stronger reasons for courage, than the messenger venturing forth in obedience to the Lord’s commands. To him the promises apply: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20); “Fear not: for I am with thee” (Isa. 43:5). Daniel was cast into a den of lions, but on him the lions had no power, for the Lord was with him. He explained that that was because innocency had been found in him (Dan. 6:22). That testimony the prophet on this occasion could not bear.