“I [King Darius] issue a decree that in all my royal dominion, people must tremble in fear before the God of Daniel…” Daniel 6:26a.
The writer of Ecclesiastes (presumably King Solomon) wisely stated that there is “nothing new under the sun”. We think our society is increasingly hostile to Christian faith. Indeed, it is, but has been so for millennia. As outlined in this series’ Introduction, the book of Daniel accounts the lives of four men who were tested to stand for the Lord or conform to the atheistic patterns of their world. Installments 2-5 reviewed how their faith was inspired by their cohorts, their leaders , their own past “faith successes”, and other’s “faith successes”.
Standing for Jesus is important, but for what end? Not survival. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s decision to align with God was the very thing that earned them death sentences. While there was always the possibility, even hope, that God would rescue them, they chose to risk losing their lives standing for God.
Nor was their faith used for self-advancement. This conclusion was one I learned in a humbling epiphany toward the end of 1998. Approximately twelve months earlier, I heeded what I felt to be God’s call to leave my employer and open my own law practice. It was the boldest leap of faith I had taken in my life, yet as I neared the end of year one, I felt disappointed that God has not rewarded my faith more tangibly. I then re-read the scripture quoted in the Introduction and saw how self-focused my faith had become.
[Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego responded to the King] “But even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you setup.” Daniel 3:18 (emphasis added)
While my initial decision to follow God’s directive was wholesome, I had somehow allowed that decision to foster a sense of entitlement. My epiphany was realizing that I deserve nothing from God, ever. By contrast, He deserves everything from me, always.
Whatever inspires our courage and faithful to take a stand for Jesus, it must be for the principal end of bringing Him glory. That is exactly what happened in Daniel.
Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent His angel and rescued His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I issue a decree that anyone of any people, nation, or language who says anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be torn limb from limb and his house made a garbage dump. For there is no other god who is able to deliver like this.” Daniel 3:28-29.
Granted that God probably did not desire the “torn limb from limb” part, but this was earnest praise from a pagan king who recognized God’s sovereignty. King Darius issued similar praise after Daniel emerged unharmed from his sleepover in the lions’ den.
“I issue a decree that in all my royal dominion, people must tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion has no end. He rescues and delivers; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” Daniel 6:26-27.
Take a stand for Jesus. He deserves the praise and glory that will follow.
