BOLDNESS.
My reading for the Everyday Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp took me into the book of Daniel, chapters 1-3. This is an incredible book, especially in the early chapters as we read the story of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Their given Babylonian names are Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. (It seems strange to me that we talk about Daniel but when we talk about the other three we use their Babylonian name. I know…rabbit trail) 🙂
There are 4 great stories about them, 3 which have more prominence than one of them.
- What will we eat? Daniel 1. King Nebuchadnezzar wanted all those who were going to serve in his court to eat and drink his food and wine. The 4 Hebrew young men said, “No can do.” They offered an alternative and at the end of 10 days looked healthier and better nourished than their counterparts who ate the king’s food.
- Daniel interprets a dream. Daniel 2. This is a less well-known story. When King Neb has a dream he demands his “wise men” tell him the dream and interpret it. His anger led him to order them all killed until Daniel got wind of it and challenged the king with being given some time. He then told and interpreted the dream, all the time giving glory to God.
- Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah and the idol. Daniel 3. King Neb made a monstrous idol and demanded that all bow down. If not, a fiery furnace awaited. The 3 Hebrew men refused to bow down and were cast into the furnace which had been heated 7 times hotter than normal. The king had no explanation when he looked into the furnace and saw not 3, but 4 walking around.
- Daniel in the lion’s den. Daniel 6. I didn’t read this today. I will write about it tomorrow.
Three great stories today involving God’s children and one tomorrow (with a little extra thrown in). All three show God’s power and authority over all. It also shows the BOLDNESS of God’s followers who were willing to take a stand for what they believed was God’s way. There is no question those stories speak to us today. Followers of Jesus are called on to take a stand for truth and what is right. The 4 Hebrew young men refused to defile themselves by eating food and drink that was contrary to their dietary laws. The 3 refused to bow down to an idol.
Be bold today. Take a stand for truth and what is right. Don’t compromise. Hold to your convictions…even if there are consequences.
The Book of Daniel is one of the best in the OT, Bill. May we, just like these young men, take a stand for God’s truth in this transient world and not back down. God is with us. Blessings!
After trudging through Jeremiah through Ezekiel, Daniel is certainly a welcome relief! 🙂 But I agree with you Martha. It is one of the best and teaches us a great lesson to stand.
Bill, whenever I feel at work, how should I respond, how can I honor God but tread lightly. That is when the book of Daniel comes to my mind, and I know that I am may be in some hostile waters but nothing compared to what these men stood up against. I think of how bold and honorable they stood. Their stories always remind me, God deserves all the honor and glory first, above all.
I appreciate your sensitivity to your fellow workers Gail. I do think as we take a stand that we also realize Jesus did that but with discernment on how to act. Being bold and honorable is part of that. Well done!
Being confident in God’s power and authority over all gives me great peace. He knows the end of the story. And that’s good enough for me.
Amen.
I feel the same way Linda. He knows my end of story. I will leave it in His capable hands.