S) "16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.'"
Daniel 3:16-18 (NASB)
O) This is a pretty popular Sunday school story. It was made, perhaps, even more popular with the adorable (and catchy) rendition by VeggieTales ("one of them's real shiny!"). The trio-friends of Daniel refuse to worship a golden monolith created by Nebuchadnezzar (v.12), even in light of a death penalty. The verses above are their response to the king, when he asserts that no god can save them from his decree.
A) There is a pitfall, in mistakenly reading the above verses to mean that the faith of the trio was wavering. In Christian culture today, a person can catch a little bit of flack when they admit they are not certain God will do one thing or another. "Have more faith," is a common admonishment. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego's words did not show their lack faith, though (the proof is in the pudding on that one). Their declaration was one of humility, not doubt. They freely admitted that they were not in control of their own destiny. Their faith was in a God, whose plans were bigger than their collective lives. There are a lot of things I'd like to do in my life, and not dying in a fire is near the top of the list. But, in the end, I want the LORD to be glorified in my life and/or death. Ultimately, that's what their response ensured. They didn't make some dramatic, "faith-based" claim about what God would, or would not, do. This meant that, live or die, their Lord GOD would be glorified in their willingness to die. Which is exactly what happens (as we see in v.28, when the king notes their trust and yield).
P) Father, I want Your will for my life and death. In my lifetime, and especially after my lifetime, I want You to be glorified when people think of me. I want my faith to be evident in my actions, not simply my words. And, if it is at all possible, let my faith and devotion to You create curiosity to know You truly. Keep me humble, if I fail to humble myself, to remember that Your will and plans are bigger than my life alone. The problems I face, the difficulties or trials, may not even be about me at all. Thank You for the mercy and grace You give. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
12/17/24 Good Morning. This weekend, I decided to start reading the book of Daniel. Not sure why that was the book I was drawn to but it’s proven to be just what I needed to read. I believe when God speaks, he speaks loudly, boldly and your ears better be ready to hear his message. This past Sunday, learning about the Daniel’s faith gave me inspiration to trust God more in my life. It’s a bit upside down and unbalanced right now. My daughter who’s 25 years old is back living at home after being away for 5 years. There’s some adjustments that come when your child comes back home after being independent and on her own. There’s care that’s needed in the brokenness. We are a faithful family and I’m trying to remind her that life will be ok. God has a plan, she must trust God in this time more than ever. But I too need faith like Daniel in this situation. God’s teaching me something right here and now that is incredibly important. I’m up this morning super early, so much to do with little time for the important things. So I rise to fill my cup with my devotions and art, but stumble upon your post from 10 years ago. I sent it to my daughter because the message was just what she needs to hear. “God I trust you in this time, I need you in this time.” We never know the true impact we have on someone, I thought I would let you know that your message written so long ago would impact the life of someone far into the future. Our God is awesome, he’s unfailing and he always promises to hold our hand when life feels messy. “Turn to me all who are weary, I will give you rest.” This verse, Daniel’s faith, a mother’s love for her child and God’s reminder in your blog was just what was needed today. Thought you should know your impact, I hope your faith is stronger than ever. - Janel
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