Daniel had served under six kings and had always honored them--even when their point of view differed with some of his own opinions. But on the question of allegiance to the God of Isreal, Daniel never compromised. He and his friends refused to compromise. They didn't worry about incurring the wrath of an earthly king. They refused to sacrifice their respect for God's law on a pagan altar. Would you be able to stand your ground in a similar condition? Could you trust God like these young men did with such spiritual fortitude?
They were not arrogant, they didn't try to evade the issue, they were prepared to abide by the rules even if it meant suffering as a consequence. They spoke their minds as children of God. They spoke the truth without fear. How many times have we kept our allegiance to Jesus under wraps ?
They felt no need to justify their position and admitted they were guilty. They knew God would protect and defend them. He was a God of miracles. "But if not, be it known unto thee, O King, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up (3:18). Do we have this kind of maturity , faith, spiritual guts,& courageous spirit to say, "We just will not do it?"
The King had painted himself into a political corner. He probably wanted to save their lives from destruction but his decree was law. Nations trembled before him and here were these young Jewish upstarts with the audacity to say no! The furnace was heated up seven time hotter. This is not just a Bible story but a dramatic picture of the Jewish people and the Gentile converts of the Tribulation Hour. Revelation 7:14 "These are they which came out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Millions of converts will some how survive in the future tribulation hour. The seven year tibulation compares to the furnace being made seven times hotter. It will be a hot, volatile period in which God's newly born-again children will be placed in the fire of anti-god atmosphere. But millions will somehow miraculously survive, though rejecting the mark of the beast. What are your thoughts about this?
Rexella's article on "Searching For Security In A World Without Meaning", explores the conditions of our world today noting the connection to prophecy. We see people around the world in deep despair, feeling baffled, bewildered, befuddled, hopeless. She reminds us that this is our Father's World and He is still in control...there is hope. What would you say to those feeling this way?
Man's wisdom may fail, scholars and scientists may admit defeat, politicians may be unable to deliver peace, but God is all powerful. He is never baffled, befuddled, bewildered. Jesus has told us not to fear when we saw these conditions coming to pass. Don't be terrified. Don't be anxious. What is His answer to us on these things? ( See Matthew 24:6, Luke 21:9, John 14;27)
God has given us His wisdom and direction--His mind on every subject in His Word, the Holy Bible. He gave us the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17) as guidelines for happiness and success. The commandments were not to restrict us or make us unhappy, but to keep us from things that could hurt us. How does observing them help us be happy and have success?
We know human agencies and alliances fail. They can never get it right. The U.N. has Isaiah 2:4 quoted on the front of the building. The implication is that they will accomplish this. How is this misleading? What or Who does it leave out?
The Word of God is quite specific. The answers mankind is seeking will not come from the U.N., the European Union, or any earthly alliance. What does Acts 4:12 say about this?
It's the baffled, befuddled, bewildered climate that will usher in the Antichrist. He'll have a grand scheme for universal peace and prosperity which world leaders will agree to, and draw up a seven year contract. All nations, even Israel will sign it. Everything we need to know is in the Word of God. We find what God wants us to do as we rely on the Word of God, pray seeking Him daily, so we can live in calm assurance. Focusing on Him brings us peace in the midst of the storm. George Mueller wrote, "The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith; the beginning of faith and trust is the end of anxiety." What does this mean to you?
We can deal victoriously with overcoming obstacles and challenges of modern life to live in quiet confidence and strength and able to affirm this old gospel song:
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know Who holds the future,
And I know Who holds my hand.
How can you overcome the desperate feelings of being baffled, befuddled, and bewildered? Create your own plan using this guide.
*This thread is created to be used. Choose to respond to any or all questions. Please add your own questions connected to this account of Daniel's story for Bible Study.
