Take Two: Daniel 12, Proverbs 28

Chapter 12 ends with a vision and a pronouncement of the end times. We see a repeat of the timeframe (time, times, and half a time (3 1/2 years), until the end…speaking of the time from the start of the great tribulation (v.11) until the time of judgment.

Now we are certain that this is a reference to the end times because it is explicitly stated (v.4,9), and because of the reference to the resurrection of the dead (v.2).

So to keep all of this in context…let’s review from the beginning. God raised up Daniel and placed him in a place to be influential to his people during the exile. He also worked through Daniel to glorify God’s Name under many different government administrations. Further, God revealed information about the end times as an encouragement to those enduring persecution during the exile and to those of us who would read of God’s promises…yet to come. At the same time, God reveals the scope of His judgment against all who did not respond to Him and worship Him as Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign God. There are no hidden agendas or pulled punches.

Through many different eras and many different people, God brought about fulfillment of prophesy with incredible detail…that others would have confidence in the promises yet to come.

So, in light of the promises of God and the truthfulness of His Word…how must we now live?

Proverbs 28:9 is the takeaway today. “He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, even his prayer is an abomination.”

Take Two: Daniel 11, Proverbs 27

Daniel 11 picks up with detail on the introduced vision of ch 10. IN Ch 11, we see the picture of the fall of Persia, the rise and fall of Alexander the Great, and the division of the Greek Empire into 4 quadrants. Finally, the description of Antioches Epiphenes is spoken of through v.35.

Vv.26-45 contains a shift from the contemporary fulfillment (Antioches) to the ultimate fulfillment (antichrist).

Notice the commentary from Miller in the NAC:

In the previous section the vision was introduced; now its contents are revealed—a history of key events leading up to the end. Gabriel begins with the Persian period, the time in which Daniel was then living, making reference to four of its kings (v. 2). Next he describes the Greek Empire under Alexander and its subsequent division into four sections after the great conqueror’s death (vv. 3–4). Two of these divisions, the Ptolemaic and the Seleucid, receive special attention because of their important relationship to Israel (vv. 5–20). Palestine was located between them and was controlled first by the Ptolemies and then the Seleucids.

The historical material in 11:2–20, however, is in reality an introduction to the exceptionally wicked persecutor of the Jews, Antiochus IV Epiphenes (vv. 21–35). Following Antiochus, Gabriel provides a description of the most villainous tyrant that Israel (and the world) will ever encounter, the eschatological Antichrist (vv. 36–45). The vision concludes with a characterization of Antichrist’s reign of terror as the worst period in human history and a promise of deliverance and blessing for the saints (12:1–3). Emphasis is therefore placed on the activities of two individuals, Antiochus and Antichrist.

The historical details set forth in this prophecy are astounding. Wood asserts: “The detail of this history as presented provides one of the most remarkable predictive portions of all Scripture.” Of course, the Bible records many other exact predictions made far in advance of their fulfillment.⁴⁵

Miller notes what I think is the most outstanding feature of the chapter…the prophesy is fulfilled with incredible historical accuracy. This should serve to affirm two things for you and I:

First…the sovereignty of God. Nothing extends beyond God’s operational knowledge and control. He is sovereign. If He controls world affairs to such incredible precision and detail…how much more can He be trusted with those things that concern our lives and burden our hearts.

Second…the hope of yet to be fulfilled prophesy. With the historical fulfillment of prophesy with such amazing detail available to us…how much confidence should we have in the yet to be fulfilled promises of God. They are as certain as the air we breathe!

Proverbs 27:12 is the takeaway today. “A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, the naive proceed and pay the penalty.”

Take Two: Daniel 10, Proverbs 26

This chapter is particularly intriguing in a couple of ways…and offers a Word of insight and encouragement.

A couple of years after the last vision, Daniel sees another vision and it is overwhelming. He begins to fast and pray…and for 21 days, receives no response from God (vv.1-9).

Then (v.10) and angel (a.k.a. prince) appears to him and states that he was en route to Daniel from the “first day) (v.12), but was delayed due to being engaged in a spiritual battle with the prince (evil angel/demon) of Persia. It was not until Michael the chief angel came to assist, that this angel was able to proceed.

This angel (Note: probably the angel Gabriel) then delivered the understanding that Daniel needed about the future of the Hebrew people (v.14). After strengthening Daniel, he stated that he went to “fight against” the demon over Persia…and the demon over Greece was soon to come (v.20).

A couple of observations:

• First, this gives insight into the reality of the spiritual warfare that exists in the unseen realm of the world. Without exception, there is a battle ensuing that affects the lives of people.
• Second, we see here something of a territorial or people group affinity/assignment of evil angels/demons…and even an implication of personal assignments of God’s angels. [NOTE: This is a reality that I believe I have experienced and that I have heard testimony of from "workers" in other places. Do not be misled...the enemy is desperately at work against God to keep people/people groups lost.]
• Third, none of this spiritual warfare or spiritual opposition overwhelms God. He is not lost or defeated. Even though the angel was delayed 21 days due to warfare, once Michael arrived…the battle was over. (Can anyone say myriads upon myriads of angels…at God’s command?)

APPLICATION: It is important to grasp the fact that we do not “wrestle against flesh and blood.” Ordinarily, most Christians I know set up strategies and plans based on our understanding in the flesh (present company included). We focus on financial challenges with campaigns, evangelistic apathy with programs, and physical needs with social services. We would be FAR MORE EFFECTIVE if we stepped back long enough to consider the real enemy and the real reasons behind our challenges.

Our problem (in the global church) is not lack of finances…it is the people of God being enamored and “smitten” with the allure of wealth and possessions. Our problems in reaching a culture for Christ is not a lack of people (sharing or being shared with) but a lack of willing witnesses who are at “battle stations” daily. Often times, we have not done our homework on the “intelligence” provided about the enemy so we don’t understand the best way to attack. When we do come to that place…we will be used of God to soundly defeat him in a way that magnifies no one by the God of Heaven!

QUESTION: As you look around at the circumstances in your life…is it possible that there are forces at work you cannot physically see? What are they doing? How are they influencing people you relate to? How are they attacking your family? How are they distracting you from the most significant things you can do in life? Most significantly…what can/will you do to change it?

Proverbs 26:14 is the takeaway today. “As the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard on his bed.”

Take Two: Daniel 9, Proverbs 25

Daniel 9 is one of the most difficult and controversial chapters in the book…in fact, in the Bible. There are 4 primary interpretations that are generally accepted about the seventy weeks. Time and space only allow me to comment on the one I believe to be accurate; however, as I stated before, Miller’s commentary in the New American Commentary Series is very helpful. Also, I will be teaching on this subject in more detail in the coming semester of “Foundations,” so, if you have interest…sign up.

The chapter opens with events from 538 BC, the first year of Darius the Mede. He is more than 80 years old and it has been 12 years since the vision of ch 8.

In reviewing Scripture, Daniel came to understand that the time of the Jews captivity in Babylon was coming to an end (based on the prophesy in Jeremiah.) [NOTE: Scholars and historians assert that the prophesy in Jeremiah was amazingly accurate to historical events as they actually transpired. As such, some even asserted that Jeremiah's prophesy had to be written after the fact and back dated to look like it was prophesy.]

Daniel’s revelation caused him to enter into a time of prayer, fasting, and repentance before the Lord (vv.7-19). In that time, he praises God for His goodness, confesses his personal and the people’s corporate sins, and begs God for relief.

vv.20-23 are AMAZING. WHile Daniel was still praying, Gabriel is sent to deliver an answer. In fact, Gabriel notes that at the beginning of Daniel’s supplication (even before he finished praying) the answer was dispatched.

NOTE: For those who think that the answer to prayer relies on the perfection of the prayer or the person praying, this verse is troublesome. God looked on the heart of Daniel and his commitment to seeking answers…as well as his repentance for personal and corporate sins…and sent the answer immediately. THis should remind us that we do not inform God with our prayers…but we do demonstrate our trust in Him and allow Him to conform our hearts to His will in praying.

In vv.24-27 we see the vision of the 70 weeks. Actually, the weeks are broken up into three groups which is essential to understand in the prophesy is to be correctly interpreted. The first 7 weeks (sevens) or 49 years begins around 458 BC (decree from Artaxerxes to Ezra to rebuild and reestablish temple worship in Jerusalem. The second period (62 weeks (sevens) or 434 years follows immediately after and takes us through to around 26 AD (the time of Jesus anointing at His baptism and start of His public ministry. The final week (seven years) has yet to occur, so a “GAP” of time exists between the Messiah being “cut off” (v.26) and the end of the seventh week (when the Messiah will return and destroy wickedness). During this last week, it is generally accepted that this is a time of tribulation (v.27), where the “little horn” will rise to power, make a firm covenant with Daniel’s (God’s) people (i.e. the Jews) for the seven years. Mid-way through this period, the little horn (antichrist) will break his covenant (v.27) and stop the worship system in the Temple and pour out great destruction until the people are left desolate for the last 3 1/2 years.

NOTE: This is according to God’s plan and purpose and serves to bring to conclusion the period of judgment and to turn the hearts of God’s people (the Jews and those who become believers during this period) toward Him. All of this ends with the Messiah coming again to destroy the antichrist (Dan 8:25) and establish His Kingdom on earth (millennial kingdom).

NOTE: I know I sped through this. Intentionally. Believe me…this is far more impressive if I can walk you through all of the reasons why this is an accurate understanding of the text and not just one of many valid opinions. However, as stated previously…you have to come to the “long course” to get the details.

APPLICATION: As we walk away…we must remember: (1) God is Sovereign. He has given us great confidence in His power and control over all things. (2) God is a revealer. Daniel observed a word of encouragement in studying the Scriptures. He found insights into God’s timeline from Jeremiah by studying God’s Word. (3) God is compassionate and merciful and just. Daniel’s prayer reminds us of who God is and who we are; thus, our desperate need for Him! (4) God is faithful. He is faithful to Himself, His Word, and His people. When we pray, He sees and hears and answers…even before we get the words out…if we are sincere and repentant in our prayer.

Proverbs 25:28 is the takeaway today. “Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.” PARAPHRASED: “A man lacking self-control is rightly dishonored…for he is not worthy of honor without discipline.

Take Two: Daniel 8, Proverbs 24

Daniel 8 is another vision about the end times that complements what we have already seen…and fills in some gaps for us.

[NOTE: The approach to biblical interpretation, especially subjects like this, rests on two principles: (1) The perspicuity (simplicity) of Scripture...meaning that Scripture can be understood and was given to us that we would understand it; and, (2) when we encounter difficult texts...we allow the more clear texts to aid us in interpreting the more difficult ones.

So, when we look at topics like the "end times," we have to allow all of the texts to come into play...interpret the easier ones and then use our conclusions to help us understand the more difficult ones. ]

In this chapter we see the Ram with two horns, one of which is larger than the other which corresponds to the previous vision of the bear. The Ram is the Medo-Persian Empire and the larger horn symbolizes the Persian king (vv.3, 20). The male/shaggy goat represents the Greek Empire and the large horn is Alexander the Great. The prophesy held that after his demise, he would be replaced with four kings (four horns) which would rise from within his kingdom and who would rule…but would have less power that their predecessor (vv.21-22).

Then a little horn arises. Here is one of the places where scholars show divergent opinions. Many scholars see the fulfillment of this part of the vision in Antioches. They rightfully recognize that he came up from the Greeks, killed many of the saints (stars), stopped the Temple worship, erected an altar to Zeus in the Temple (setting up the abomination of desolation), etc.

Others look far forward to the antichrist, observing the similar image (little horn) with ch 7 and the prophesy of God’s ultimate destruction of him immediately following his tyrant reign (v.25). A challenge with this view is that the “little horn” in this prophesy arose from the Greeks. A challenge with the previous view is that the figure is destroyed by God and that seems to signify an eschatological result consistent with the second coming of Christ.

My solution to this is a bit “messy” since it approaches this vision with an “already-not yet” view that is pretty common in prophesy. (BTW: My view is not original to me and is held fairly widely). I believe the vision received a partial fulfillment in Antioches but that the vision will ultimately be fulfilled in the rule of the antichrist. How is such a thing possible?

One of the helpful analogies is that of looking through a telescope. When you look into space, you focus in on an object a great distance away. You may see other objects that are closer…or you may not, but you see that which is far away with clarity. I think Daniel saw both the reign of Antioches and the distant view (v.26) of the reign and defeat of the antichrist in a single vision.

This is “messy” to us…since we like order and linear thought…thing to be chronological. However, even in Daniel we see the Roman Empire and the revitalized Rome in the same vision (Ch 7) even though they are separated by (at least) thousands of years. Yet, he seamlessly records both as if they were immediately sequential.

Could I be wrong? YES. Could I be right? YES. Will anyone go to heaven or not go to heaven based on my interpretation of this passage…or yours for that matter? NO. I think it is important to study and try to understand. I think we ought to be able to articulate what and why we believe. At the same time…it is not a doctrinal position that we will conclusively solve since there is room for honest disagreement in interpretation. So…we study but we leave room for others to come to different conclusions…(unless you want to be right…then agree with me   ).

Here is the point for me. Whoever the figure is…he is destroyed by the power fo God (v.25). No matter how big of a villain, God is not in any way impotent. He is omnipotent. Can we trust God to be big enough to direct our every step in such a way He is glorified and we are benefitted? You bet.

Proverbs 24:21 is the takeaway today. “My son, fear the Lord and the king; do not associate with those who are given to change…”

Take Two: Daniel 7, Proverbs 23

The vision of Daniel 7 is a parallel of that contained in Ch. 2. The four parts of the statue in ch 2 correspond to the four beasts of ch. 7.

The timing of this vision of Daniel actually precedes the chronology to this point. It occurs around 556-553 BC…prior to the events of Chs. 5-6.

Remember that the overarching theme of this book relates to the sovereignty of God. He is in control. No matter how chaotic things may seem, God is never NOT in control.

The first beast (v.4) represents Babylon. Many assert that the imagery is actually a picture of Nebuchadnezzar who had is wings clipped and lost his mind for 7 years…before receiving a human mind again. The second beast is that of the Medo-Persian empire. We will see this represented again in Ch 8 with the different size of horns, but the image of having one side of the bear higher than the other reflects the significance of the Persian dominance (v.5). The third beast represents Greece who, under Alexander the Great, was characteristically known for it speed and viciousness in conquest (symbolized by the leopard with four wings) (v.6).

The fourth beast differs from the others and is representative for the Roman Empire, both ancient and revived. The picture demonstrated here focuses on the revived Roman Empire primarily. It consists of one beast with 10 horns/thrones/kings. Scholars attribute this to be either a literal ten kingdoms, or a figurative expression representing a single organization with a number of member kingdoms/states (like the United Nations…for instance). Either way, another little horn arises from within the beast and subdues three of the kingdoms under him…thus gaining the position as the absolute leader of the beast.

This little horn is different than the others. He begins small and grows to a point of greatness over the others. It has the human characteristics of eyes (symbolizing intellect, intelligence, and wisdom) and a mouth (which utters great boasts and blasphemy against God.)

This little horn (the antichrist) wages war against the saints and overpowers them. He does so, until God (the Ancient of Days) steps in and judges him (vv.21-22). This occurs immediately prior to the establishment of the kingdom of the Son of Man…which is at the end of time and the start fo the millennial kingdom.

When does the antichrist arise? During the seventieth week of Daniel’s prophesy in Daniel 9. Scholars assert that the 70 seventies (70 weeks) is actually 7o weeks of years. So, during the final week of years (a 7 year period), we find the rise of the antichrist to power and prominence due to his intellect and charisma. Halfway through this seventieth week (3 1/2 years), he turns his wrath toward the destruction of the saints of God (the Jews of the Tribulation) and this period is known as the Great Tribulation (Daniel 7:25). Part of his motif will be the attempt to change the times (religious holidays/observances) and the laws (religion)…presumably to a new system that he requires…likely to be one where he is worshipped as the “new messiah.”

His power and destruction would be complete and overwhelming…except that God who has been sitting on His throne…steps in and pronounces judgment against him (vv.9-11; 26-27).

NOTE: I know the symbolism is overwhelming. Due to the manner of this forum, I cannot unpack all of the details here; however, I might suggest if you prefer details…the commentary on Daniel in the New American Commentary Series. Dr. Stephen Miller gives a fair and understandable treatment of the subject…and I relied heavily on his work in prep to writing this post.

One observation…to bring this all into focus. What Daniel saw was so overwhelming…it distrubed his entire existence to the core. His greatest comfort was not in understanding every image. It was not in more information. His comfort came from knowing that the Ancient of Days was sitting on the throne and was caring for His people. His comfort came from knowing that no matter how oppressive the beasts were…they were no match for the sovereignty of God.

APPLIED: No matter the scope of the challenges before you…God is bigger, God is good, and God is in control. You can trust Him and He is worthy of your trust and worship.

Proverbs 23:18 is the takeaway today. When we live int he fear of the Lord, “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”

Take Two: Daniel 6, Proverbs 22

This chapter covers the encounter of Daniel and the lion’s den. In short, Daniel was a source of pain for the other commissioners and satraps in the kingdom. He was due to be elevated to the top role…and if that weren’t bad enough…he was a Jew brought into the kingdom during the exile.

A couple of observations:

The officials who approached the king to put in place the injunction against praying to any other gods or man besides the king…told the king that all of the officials were on board (v.7). They played to the king’s emotions and made him the only one people could seek. As such, this sounded like an offer no one could refuse…and the king was no different.

Immediately after the injunction was put in place, the conspirators gathered their evidence against Daniel. A couple of things about him.

Notice that KNEW about the law and chose to maintain his faith practices anyway (v.10). He did not seek to change the law (which was probably a practical consideration since laws like this could not be reversed.) He simply obeyed God rather than men.

NOTE: How often do we consider cultural views and change our practices to meet a cultural standard? And…they are not even threatening our lives….

So, the conspirators approached the king and backed him into a corner to demand Daniel’s punishment. Notice the king:

• He showed confidence in the God of Daniel…though his confidence was imperfect (v.16).
• He also prayed and fasted on Daniel’s behalf, though he was not a believer himself (v.18).
• He was also a seeker. He had ideas that God was still with Daniel…but he was seeking confirmation (v.20).

Once Daniel was released the king ordered judgment against the conspirators and the judgment was broad and swift (v.24).

Daniel’s explanation of why he survived the judgment was that God intervened by sending angels to close the lion’s mouths. God did this because Daniel was innocent of offense against God AND against the king.

(NOTE: I think that last part is very KEY. God appoints rulers in the world and demands that we obey them since they are God’s instruments to administer justice. Though Daniel violated the law and continued to pray to God, he did not harm or subvert the king. THERE IS A LOT to meditate on here…)

The chapter closes with the (lost) king’s proclamation of giving glory to the God of Daniel (vv.25-28).

APPLIED: Do we stand for our faith even when it could violate a standard in our workplace/ culture? Are we wise and humble about it? Could it be that we do not encounter the lion’s den very often because we don’t put ourselves in a place of commitment like Daniel very often?

Proverbs 22:1 is the takeaway today. “A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold.”

Take Two: Daniel 5, Proverbs 21

Daniel 5 contains the story of “the handwriting on the wall.” It speaks of the son of Nebuchadnezzar throwing a feast and then calling for the vessels that were taken from the Lord’s Temple in Jerusalem years before. The king served wine in them (which wasn’t the problem) but gave thanks to the “gods” of gold and silver and brass, etc while drinking from them…as if there were other gods and as if those gods were able to provide.

I love the imagery used to describe the king’s reaction. He is drinking and sees a hand writing on the wall. This is not just some weird “drunken” vision; rather, it is a sobering moment that struck great fear in the king (vv.5-9).

After all of the court of “wise men” were unable to interpret the writing on the wall…the queen enters and shares about Daniel and how his reputation spoke of just what the king desired.

NOTE: One might think that the king would have already been aware of Daniel. Did he not remember his father’s exploits? Did he not ever remember his father speaking of the God of Daniel? Daniel’s reputation was known, but the king had found security in the counsel of others.

One may ask…”How is that possible? Why didn’t he keep Daniel close to him all the time?” My think is this…and it resonates with me on occasion and in the lives of many of the folks I know. We know that the prophet has answers…but we want answers another way. If we can get strength, guidance, enlightenment and purpose from another source…then we can maintain control of our own lives and not yield to the Lordship of Jesus.

It is like having parts leftover when assembling a bike and a set of instructions beside you. You could have read the directions all along; or, you could go back and see what you missed; however, there is a desire to figure it out apart from these…so you can feel as though YOU accomplished something.

The vision was interpreted. Because you did not learn from your father and have ”exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven” (v.23), your kingdom and your reign will end and the Medes will take over (vv.25-31).

APPLIED: When we fail to give God glory, we actually set ourselves up against Him. We become as those who seek to steal from God. We turn the focus toward ourselves and thus, become idolaters of our own intellect, skills, and wisdom. We become the idols and we willingly serve ourselves as idolaters. Remember though…the “handwriting is on the wall” for all who choose this course.

Proverbs 21:10 is the takeaway today. “The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.” When a man can find nothing good in others…the problem is his own heart.

Take Two: Daniel 4, Proverbs 20

Daniel 4 details another vision of the king. While the vision itself is interesting and important…the greater story relates tot he overarching theme of the book…the sovereignty of God.

Nebuchadnezzar was perplexed by the dream and was unable to find an interpreter. However, previously…Daniel was able to interpret the dream. As such, he had been given credibility in the king’s eyes. This is critical…especially considering all that is about to occur. Remember, leaders like the king do not like bad news. They want interpreters…but they also want good interpretations. Daniel even communicated that this was a hard vision because he wished it was about the king’s enemies (v.19).

The vision opens and closes with the king giving praise to the God of heaven. [NOTE: This does not in itself declare that the king was a believer in Yahweh. Likely...he was a polytheist...a believer in many gods.]

APPLIED: Even those separated from or alienated from God can and often praise Him when His will is carried out. Acknowledging the presence of God is not great accomplishment. Even the demons acknowledge God and Jesus (See Mark 5), yet their acknowledgment is not sufficient to declare that they are righteous or restored to relationship with God. Restoration occurs at repentance (turning from and turning to) and trust (believing that God is and will).

The king recognized this about Daniel…he had the spirit of the holy ones within him (v.18). Even lost people recognize something about those in relationship with God. For it, they often give praise to God.

Upon revealing the vision, there was a call to action. Daniel called the king to repent in order to delay the judgment (vv.26-27).

NOTE: Every revelation of God is intended to illicit a response on our part. It would make me “nuts” if I did not find a point of application whenever I hear the Word of God preached or read from His Word, or preach His Word. When God reveals…we respond. (See, I know I am messed up…so if I did not see a need to respond, I would KNOW that the problem was in my ability to hear and willingness to change…not in the veracity and power of His Word. I ASSUME that God is changing me daily. Period.)

We learn in vv.28-37 that the vision is realized and the king goes crazy for 7 years. Seven years of eating grass and sleeping in the fields before he was ready to give praise to God in truth.

What will it take for you and I to truly act as though we believe God is true and that His Word is authoritative in our lives? Do we continue to assert dominion over our lives and our possessions as though we are entitled to choose our own destiny and actions; or, do we acknowledge Jesus as Lord and live under His lordship as His stewards of time, talent, treasures, influence, and the like?

Proverbs 20:12 is the takeaway today. “The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made both of them.”

Take Two: Daniel 3, Proverbs 19

Daniel 3 is familiar to many who have been in a children’s ministry of a church along the way. [For that matter...it is familiar if you are a "Veggie Tales" sort of person.] It is not just a children’s story though…of God miraculously protecting those who trust Him…it is a story of mission, faith, and the glory of God for all of us.

The king established an idol and “commanded” that all peoples in his kingdom worship it (v.4). All complied except the Hebrew men in the Province, “Rack, Shack, and Benny.” This infuriated the king, because his orders were defied. He was not concerned about how the gods would respond. He was not concerned with the faith crisis of the men. He was only concerned with the fact that he gave an order and three men dared to disobey.

NOTE: The king had ruled with an iron fist. He was decisive and unrelenting. A challenge to his authority was unusual and very dangerous.

When the three, “Rack, Shack, and Benny” were thrown into the furnace, their captors were destroyed (v.22) and their ropes/cords (v.23) were burned away (v.25); however, they were uninjured and did not even retain the smell of smoke (v.27).

What’s more, a fourth man joined them in the fire…that is Jesus the Christ.

Why did this happen? Because the king asked for it and God decided to answer miraculously. Notice the king’s question, “what god is there that can deliver you out of my hands? (v.15)” [NOTE: Jesus responds, "You called?" ]

NOTE: God did not have to deliver the men to still be God…to still be Sovereign…to still be worthy of obedience and worship…or anything else. The three Hebrews professed their allegiance to God and defiance of the king’s order even if God did not rescue them (vv.17-18).

We may wonder…”Where did such courage come from?” Simply put…their actions followed their previous decision. They had decided before that there was one God and they knew Him. He demanded that His followers only worship Him and that they reject any false gods. Once the decision is made…the “what” of their actions in the future is determined. When commanded to worship an idol…they reverted to rule number 1…”You shall have no other gods before Me….you shall not worship [idols] or serve them” (Exodus 20:3-5).

Notice also, that their faith impressed the king. No one had defied him before and lived, yet their God delivered them and the king honored Him…even without being a worshipper (vv.28-29).

A couple of closing observations:

• Genuine faith has a real cost to it.
• Fear has no real power once we make a decision, if we will simply stay the course.
• God is at work.
• God is worthy even if He doesn’t pull our “bacon” out of the fire. He just IS!
• Our faithfulness to God is a powerful tool of witness and expression of worship.
• Our faith decision to trust God as Sovereign (Jesus is Lord) determines nearly every other decision we have to make in life…if we simply follow-through.
• Compromise on the Word of God is not possible for a Christ follower. [NOTE: We did not hear these three say, render unto Caesar...or "submit yourself to every authority. This was a specific, defined, issue that God had instructed them on. Attempts to redefine or compromise or justify...were just veiled acts of rebellion. And...they are unwarranted.]

APPLICATION: What do you wrestle with that God has already defined? What if you simply followed through with the decision/proclamation that Jesus is Lord. How might that simple obedience bring you peace, strengthen your witness, and glorify God?

Proverbs 19:28 is the takeaway today. “A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice, and the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.”