Daniel: Week 5 (Wednesday 17th May 2023)

(from www.insightforliving.org.uk)

Chapter 3:1-30

The Heart Of The Matter

Why is it that the righteous are made to suffer? When we have been obedient to God, why do we often have to endure fiery ordeals? Where is God during these times? And what of His fairness and justice? These are natural questions for those who suffer unjustly. Daniel’s three friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego—could have asked similar questions. They literally went through a fiery trial, but they discovered that God was in their midst. And this truth is a comfort when the suffering and questions come.

Discovering The Way

1. The King’s Image: A Statue (Daniel 3:1–12)

Many years after Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he built a great statue and ordered all to bow and worship it.

2. The Fiery Furnace: A Test (Daniel 3:13–30)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego refused to worship the statue and were thrown into a blazing furnace, but they weren’t in there alone.

Starting Your Journey

We can learn three lessons from these three men. First, God is sovereign whether the result is triumph or tragedy. Second, suffering is necessary whether it seems fair or unfair. Third, deliverance is impressive whether seen by the godly or ungodly.