The Man Daniel (II)

Bible Reading: Daniel 3:16-26

King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden image and commanded all Babylonians to bow down and worship his idol. He issued a decree to cast into fire anyone who refuses to bow down for his idol. Daniel and his three friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah lived in Babylon at this time and occupied a leadership position. This would have been one of the reasons they were easily identified among all other Jews who refused to bow to the king’s image. However, Daniel and his friends did not obey the king because his command to worship an idol violates God’s command not to worship an idol or any graven image (Exodus 20:4-5). They were willing to stand up for God at the expense of their lives , hence they would not bow down to a graven image. Even though Babylon was a city full of idolatry and ungodly practices, there were men like Daniel and his three friends who stood for God. Let us recall that it was the same king Nebuchadnezzar who assigned a daily provision of food and wine to some selected Israelite youths in Daniel chapter 1 but Daniel and his friends declined the king’s appointed food.

One key lesson that we can draw from today’s reading is that association matters. Daniel had a relationship with the Almighty God and he also had God-fearing acquaintances. Who we associate with or do not associate with determines the course of our destiny. Like Daniel, you can decide to associate with like-minded people who will help you fulfil God’s purpose for your life. Even though there is a price to be paid if you desire to live for God, there is a great reward for you (Isaiah 1:19). God blessed Daniel and his three friends with knowledge and skills, ten times better then that of their peers and he delivered them from the fiery furnace of king Nebuchadnezzar.

Action Point: Living for God is costly but it is most rewarding. Decide today that you will live for God.

Intercessory Prayer: Pray for our political leaders that God will separate them from evil advisers who will not help them to make policies that will be favourable to the citizens.

Hymn: So I’ll stand with arms high and heart abandoned

In awe of the one who gave it all

So I’ll stand, my soul Lord to You surrendered

All I am is Yours