Year of the Bible: Part Eight of TwelveSample

Taking a Stand Despite a Hazardous Outcome

In Daniel 2, the king had a terrifying dream that only Daniel could interpret with God's help. In the dream, God showed the king that many earthly kingdoms, including his own (depicted as a head of gold), would end, while God's kingdom would never end.

The king's pride peaked, and he created a golden image portraying his "grandiose" kingdom (probably the only thing that stood out to him from the dream). He made everyone bow down and worship this image, almost denying the dream-revelation that only God's kingdom would endure and exalting his own to a place where only God should be.

"And who is the God who will deliver you out of my hands?" The king asked when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship. They answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up" (Daniel 3:15-18).

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego never burned. God Himself entered the furnace and delivered them. The king had to admit he was wrong, humble himself, and decree that no one could speak against God. The stand these three men took, despite the consequences, demonstrated God's genuine power: He alone is worthy of worship, and He defends and promotes those who love and obey Him.

Question: What are areas in your day-to-day life where you need to take a stand, and what makes this difficult?

Prayer: Ask God to give you the boldness to stand firm and choose Him, trusting that He has your back.