Daniel: Week 3In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzer was warned through a dream that his kingdom would one day fall and only God's kingdom would remain forever. In chapter 3, Nebuchadnezzer set up a golden image to unite people under the power of Babylon. This statue was meant to define and unite the culture while centralizing their beliefs. This passage shows us how God delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and how we can trust God's sovereignty as we stand for Truth today. Scripture points to some key ways we can stand with God no matter what.
Stand against the pressure toward idolatryThe setting was clearly intended to put the most pressure on everyone to bow to the golden image. From the intimidating size of the statue itself, to the officials in attendance, and the music to set the tone, the pressure was strong to conform. By God's grace they overcame the outward pushes from the culture around them and inward pulls in their own hearts to bow to the golden image. They stood on the Truth they learned growing up hearing God's word and it showed in their actions.
Stand in the truth of God's planThe golden image was nothing compared to the Most High God. The three Hebrew young men knew God was able to save them and would not bow down even if God chose to allow them to perish in the furnace. We can live our daily lives resting in the knowledge that God's kingdom is eternal and nothing happens apart from His sovereign hand.
Stand in the goodness of God's presenceInstead of delivering them from the fire, God chose to deliver them through it. We see a powerful pre-incarnate deliverance from Jesus Himself. Sahdrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew the presence of God in a powerful way because they trusted in his sovereign plan. We can trust God's good plan to use all things to conform us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29).
Questions to consider

1. As you follow Jesus, what are some situations in which you may need grace to show courage under fire?
2. What are some of the idols of our day that we may experience an outward push or inward pull to follow after? What "excuses" can we come up with to justify our decisions?
3. Why is it important that we not wait to develop our convictions in the moment of testing?
4. Have you ever experienced the presence of God in a time of great difficulty? How did it deepen your faith in Jesus?

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