Trustworthy: Learning courage from the life of DanielSample

 Day 3—The God Who Rescues Us

From today’s reading we see immediately that some Chaldeans (in some versions “astrologers”) took advantage of the occasion to “maliciously accuse the Jews” (v. 8, CSB). The Chaldeans who approached King Nebuchadnezzar were jealous and wanted to destroy the three young Jewish men. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had been promoted to significant positions of leadership immediately following Daniel’s interpretation of the king’s dream (Daniel 2). Perhaps the Chaldeans now saw a way to get rid of these Jews and better position themselves in the king’s good graces for their own promotion.

The Chaldeans wasted no time making sure the king knew of the Hebrews’ refusal to bow to his idol. They cunningly stroked the king’s ego, stating, “May the king live forever” (v. 9), then proceeded to recount his entire decree, obviously building their case against the Hebrews. “These men have ignored you, the king; they do not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up” (v. 12, CSB).

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were well aware that their refusal to bow when the music sounded would be obvious when those around them fell on their faces. Only God-given courage would hold them strong in resistance to King Nebuchadnezzar’s commands. I’m sure they were shaken with fear, knowing the king had promised death in a furnace for all who refused to bow their knee to his command and his idol.

The definition of “courage” isn’t the absence of fear, but persevering through it: “withstanding danger, fear, or difficulty.” And stand they did, right in the middle of a multitude of people who willingly fell before the demands of an ungodly king in an ungodly culture.

The king responded to the Jews’ disobedience by flying into a blind rage. He ordered them brought before him and asked, 

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you don’t serve my gods or worship the gold statue I have set up?” He then repeated his threat that if they again refused to worship it, they would be thrown into the furnace “and who is the god who can rescue you from my power?” (Daniel 3:14–15, CSB)

God Almighty, through the power of His Holy Spirit, is your strength to walk through any fire you encounter. He alone gives you courage to resist the enemy’s schemes. Thank Him that He has promised to never fail you or forsake you.