Daniel 3

We have come to a chapter that is probably fairly familiar. It is one of those Bible stories that we are taught as kids to remind us of God’s presence and protection. As I have been studying the book of Daniel through Beth Moore’s Bible Study, I am learning that there is so much more for me to learn from this chapter. I hope you will take the time to read it as I know God has much to say to you.

Before we start talking about Daniel 3, let’s think back to the previous chapter. In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that Daniel was able to both describe and interpret. In the dream, there was a statue that was made out of different metals- gold, silver, bronze, and iron. The statue represented different kingdoms with the ultimate reign of God’s kingdom. Because Daniel was able to describe and interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he was made ruler over the province of Babylon, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were made administrators.

Now, at the beginning of Daniel 3, we find Nebuchadnezzar building his own statue. His image was made entirely of gold, and it was 90 feet high and 9 feet wide. Try to imagine this- it would be like two of the Tejas climbing walls put together and made of gold. If we look back at Daniel 2, we can see where Nebuchadnezzar is getting his idea. However, he wants his image to be bigger and better than the one in his dream. He wants to make sure that his kingdom is superior. So much so, that he calls all the officials of Babylon to bow down to the statue. Nebuchadnezzar obviously struggled with some of the same things we do today. The world around us is always telling us to make a name for ourselves. It is easy for us to fall into the trap of thinking we have worth if we do something that seems important, know someone that seems to be admired, or are a part of something that seems popular. Think about how this is even prevalent in the realm of other believers. Who do you idolize? Why are you a part of a certain organization or group? Why do you go to the church you are going to? Why do you serve in a certain position? Are any of the reasons because you are trying to impress someone or you feel like someone impressive is there? We need to remember what God’s Word says. Our value is found in Christ alone. According to Colossians 2:9-10, we have been given fullness is Christ. Also, those who are really great are those who are the least and have been willing to die to themselves. Think about the example Christ set for us. We need to be lifting up the name of Christ and not our own. When we know that we are complete in Him, then this will be much easier to do.

As we move along in Daniel 3, we find that everyone bows down to Nebuchadnezzar’s image expect three people- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men were true followers of God and they would not bow to another even when the consequences were great. Nebuchadnezzar gave these men two chances to bow down with the fiery furnace in their sight. If they did not bow, they would be thrown into the hot blaze. These three men believed that God would take care of them no matter what. They believed that they would either be taken home to be with their God, or their God would be with them through the fire. You can tell they were sure of this by the way they answered Nebuchadnezzar. They were right; God did walk with them through the fire. It is amazing to see all the details of what God did in this miracle. Take some time to note these.

I want us to think about this fire in light of circumstances we have been in ourselves that have been very difficult. You may even be walking through a challenging time right now. I want you to remember that God is with you. He can deliver you from the fire at any point that He wants, but He knows that it is best for you right now to walk through the fire as your faith will be increased. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” God uses trials to change our lives, and He is also faithful to use them in the lives of others. In Philippians 1:12, Paul talks about difficult circumstances that have happened to him. He says that they have happened to advance the gospel. Beth Moore says that circumstances will bow down to be a servant of the gospel. This can be true in our lives if we recognize that God is with us through the fire. Others will see a peace and joy in our lives as we walk through difficulties that can be so contagious. They will want to know where it comes from, and we are able to testify to God’s presence. What a wonderful opportunity we have. There can be so much good to come out of suffering. We know that fires are coming our way if we are not already in one. Hold tightly to God’s hand as He will accomplish much through the fire.

As we close out Daniel 3, we find the last mention of these three incredible men- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Listen to what Nebuchadnezzar says, Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way." As Beth Moore says, “may the last mention of our name be in the context of God’s fame.” Hallelujah! Our time on this earth is so short. May God be glorified in our lives.

Keep your eyes on Christ!

--Jennifer Jones, Discipleship Manager