Week of January 29, 2023
This week, we focus on Daniel chapter 3 and the bold response of three faithful Jewish exiles when confronted with mandatory idolatry – enforced by a penalty of death – in Babylonian captivity. The setting may seem foreign and unrelatable, but we still face pressure to worship the things that our society idolizes, as well as consequences for not going along with the flow. These confrontations provide us the opportunity to shine a bright contrast through our bold faith in God.
Take time each day to pray, read through the scripture passage and use the questions to reflect on the passage. Ask God to speak through your time and be open to what God wants to do in and through you!
Monday, January 30
Daniel chapter 2 ends with King Nebuchadnezzar humbling himself before Daniel, and declaring Daniel’s God to be “God of gods and Lord of kings.” Daniel chapter 3 begins with Nebuchadnezzar putting himself right back on the throne, so to speak.
Is this sudden narrative shift significant? How might Nebuchadnezzar’s new ambition be related to Daniel’s interpretation of his unsettling dream in the previous chapter?
What does the contrast between insecurity and genuine humility look like in my own life? How easy is it to shift from one to the other?
Tuesday, January 31
In Daniel chapter 3:8-12 Babylonian fortune tellers accuse, tattle, and point the finger at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They tell the king, “You know those guys who have such a high position in your kingdom? They’re not listening to you!” They seem jealous of the privilege and position of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. This scenario repeats at different times in the Bible. People seeking to find fault, accuse, and bring down people from a position of apparent privilege.
How do you go about knowing that you are following God’s will? Especially when what you are doing could be considered counter-cultural or not even in line with what is typically religiously accepted.
If people begin to look for your faults, what is your most likely response? Do you fight back? Consider their point? Question yourself? How do you think God would consider the most appropriate way to handle accusations?
Wednesday, February 1
In Daniel 3:16-20, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are called before King Nebuchadnessar because they have refused to bow down to his idols. They speak boldly, perhaps even spicy and boldly! Their spicy and bold response to the king, however, gets them in trouble. It is interesting to see similar responses to Paul and Barnabus in Acts as they boldly shared God’s message. These apostles were chased out of towns, their lives were threatened, and they were even beaten and jailed repeatedly. Yet, similar to these verses from Daniel, they did not hesitate to speak boldly, and perhaps even with a bit of spice!
No matter what these men faced, they showed their faith in God and belief that no matter what happened, God was with them. They spoke the truth with spicy boldness, not caring what others thought about them or did to them. In our society, we rarely face similar threats when we share our belief in God. So why is it sometimes difficult to speak to others about the good news of God’s grace and love? Do you think speaking with spicy boldness about your faith is difficult? Why or why not?
In both the books of Daniel and Acts, the fearlessness of these men stands out. What made them able to be fearless in the face of imminent danger and threats of bodily harm, including death? How can we be fearless in our faith as well?
Thursday, February 2
In the bible, there are lots of examples of people who not only step out in faith to obey God, but make a point of elevating God and acknowledging his power. Not only that, but they are willing to do so with action and commitment. Often, there is little rational about what is presented as a course of action. Noah, built an ark. Gideon, fought an impossibly large army with a puny one. Moses, parted the sea and performed miracles. Jesus, died and rose again. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood in defiance against this powerful king and his pulverizing fire. Some of them even seem to face their challenges boldly and with relative ease.
What do you take away after reading of Jesus praying about his difficult task vs. the seeming ease of others who faced challenging situations?
How can you build up a tenacious commitment to serving God in difficult circumstances?
Friday, February 3
In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednigo are living in a society whose laws, practices, culture, and traditions are opposed to just about everything they believe and practice as Israelites. Yet, they continue to make decisions based on what they know is right in the eyes of God, and do not worry about the outcome of their obedience to Him. This reminded me of the passage found in Matthew 10:16-20, where Jesus warns the disciples that he is sending them out like sheep among wolves. The next line in this passage Jesus tells them to “be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Looking at these three young men in Daniel 3, they do seem to embody both characteristics as they face down King Nebuchadnezzar.
Shrewd- having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute.
Innocent- free from guilt or sin especially through lack of knowledge of evil : blameless : harmless in effect or intention)
In this passage, it is clear that Jesus knew and wanted to prepare the disciples for what was coming. He also gives them guidance about how they are to act and respond in the face of the negative reactions to the message of the gospel. Throughout both the old and new Testaments, God calls and prepares leaders to be messengers to and examples for his people. Thinking back on Daniel 3:16-20 and the corresponding passages from Acts, how did the responses and actions of Shadrach, Meschach, Abednigo, Paul, and Barnabus exhibit the instructions Jesus gave in this passage?
Have you ever experienced a difficult period in your life where you realized that God had prepared you beforehand to handle it? Explain.
Saturday, February 4
Sunday School coloring books are filled with pages of people taking a bold stand for God and being miraculously delivered. We are rightfully encouraged by examples like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Perhaps less popular are stories such as Stephen the martyr in Acts chapter 7, where boldness is met with painful consequences.
Acts 7:51-8:1 (start at Acts chapter 6 for additional context)
If those who made a righteous stand were always delivered, how would that change us?
Conspicuously, Saul (who would later become the apostle Paul) is called out twice in this passage. Why might Luke, the author, have wanted to highlight Saul’s shameful part in Stephen’s story?
What assurances can I hold on to when facing opposition with uncertain outcomes?