Saturday 25 June 2022

Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us

 Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. *14*Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? *15*Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” 

*16*Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. *17*If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. *18*But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” 

Daniel 3:13–18.


'If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us....But if not...'

What an amazing faith these young men have! They are so confident and secure in their faith in God that they’ll bet their lives on it. They are not confident in the outcome of the situation, but they are confident in their God. 

Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego (also known as Mishael, Azaraiah and Hannah), are ready to stake their lives on the fact that God is the ONLY God worth worshipping. They have worshipped and honoured God through their lives, and we can read about how they have put God first since being in captivity in Babylon. Their faith is nearly deep-rooted, and for good reason. When they have trusted in God, not; themselves, their capabilities, or circumstances, they have found favour and been saved from death. They have a personal history, as well as a cultural history of seeing God move.  This is what they hold onto - their experience has formed an even greater knowledge of God, and nothing can shake the foundation of their faith, and lets face it - their faith is tested beyond what many of us will experience! 

Clearly these men had reached a certainty, a confidence in God that could not be changed - they have seen Him at work in sustaining them, preferring them and rescuing them from death before, so they rely on Him now.  Eventhough they don’t know what will happen next. They have not been given a revelation, any warning, or insight into what is going to happen, so they just go with it, and they confidently express their trust in God in the face of grave danger. 


Doesn’t that stir your heart and mind? I am left wondering if my faith is anywhere near strong enough to encounter even some of what they have. 


I know that in the culture that these three men were enveloped in, the position of King was considered the supreme, and even in some places, divine, authority. Some people groups worshipped their leaders as if they were gods. So, to refuse a kings edict was the same as being disobedient to a god. Nebuchadnezzar makes this clear when he asks, ‘who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?’. It is inconceivable to him, and probably most of his court, that there is any god stronger or more powerful than him. He is considered as the ultimate authority, so what he says goes, and no-one can stop him. Then these men disobey his orders. To many in society, these men must have been considered either brave or stupid, possibly insane. Yet they still stood up for what they believed. 

Shedrach, Meschach and Abednego did not know how this circumstance was going to end, but they did what they thought was right anyway. In the face of certain death, they were ready to accept it if necessary. They held onto the god they knew, and trusted him even when it seemed impossible for it to work out for them in this world. 

We face many unknown, and sometimes difficult or impossible situations in our lives too. We don’t know the end story either. But, we can know that there is a God who saves. A God who is more powerful and stronger than any other force. A God who cares and looks out for His children. 

Are you HIs child?

If so, what have you to fear? 


When you encounter the next battle of life, the next impossible situations, let your prayer, and your mindset be, like these three Israelite men,our God whom we serve is able to deliver us’


Wednesday 22 June 2022

What's on the throne of your heart?

 46*Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face and paid homage to Daniel, and commanded that an offering and incense be offered up to him. 47*The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.” 48*Then the king gave Daniel high honours and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. 49*Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king’s court. 

* 3*King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits.

Daniel 2:46–3:1.

From a position of pride and power, the king, ‘fell upon his face’, in humility and reverence. The king, who was passionate, powerful and ruthless, recognises in an instant that he is not the orchestrator of all things. That he, in fact, is not in control - There is some kind of god, whom Daniel knows, that sees and understands the things inside a man, and this god, and this Daniel, should be recognised and revered. Nebuchadnezzar's first response is to worship. Now, King Nebuchadnezzar is used to worshipping a multitude of gods, so he does what he would do for any number of them - offers incense, falls in his face, gives gifts. It is his natural response. He recognises something significant about this God, acknowledges it and responds in the only ways he knows how.  The overflow of his gratitude and awe is to lavish this god with whatever he has. What a response! Nebuchadnezzar, a king, a non-Israelite, a man not even seeking God, responds in joy and wonder and in his exuberance gives generously!

How do you respond to God? 

When you see God moving in your life, how do you demonstrate reverence, joy, gratitude, awe?

Does your worship and reverence of God lead you to give what you have to Him and honour His people? 

Nebuchadnezzar, as we can easily realise, doesn’t get everything right, (he has no experience of this Israelite got after all) but by being in a culture of many gods, he has learnt how to worship and honour them and he is not ashamed to do it. Even as a mighty king, he humbles himself as he realises there is in fact one god whom he hasn’t yet worshipped that sees right inside of him, and he responds with respect. We can learn from this gentile king a thing or two about not being ashamed of being overwhelmed and honouring God and His people as we see Him moving and showing His character in our lives.

Although Nebuchadnezzar does have this moment of overwhelmed wonder and humility as he acknowledges, ‘your God is God of gods and Lord of kings’, we cannot see this as a conversion moment or a realisation that the God of Israel is the ONLY god. We see that from the very next set of verses where he sets up a golden idol for all people to worship. It is evident therefore that the king just adds the god of Daniel to the list of those he already worships. I find it sad that within a few lines we read this amazing experience with the God of Israel, then we see a new ‘god’ being set up by the very same man.

I know that it didn’t all happen in real life as quickly as we read it, but the contrast does show the fickle nature of mankind. The desire of the human race is to seek something in life, something more than we already have and something more than we already know. There’s a phrase that I have heard several times that ‘the heart is an idol factory’. It is like there’s a throne in our hearts for something to sit on - We were created to worship, and if that throne isn’t for the One true God, then something else must be there; we worship, admire and seek other things. Ancient kings and civiilizations were no different.

King Nebuchadnezzar had seen and experienced something, but it hadn’t taken root in his heart - he didn’t realise that his god revealed to him was the only one, and that all his future, hopes, identity, and purpose could be revealed through him, so he kept searching. He made for himself other things which he could adore and admire just like this golden statue that he commissioned to be built.

It would be easy to skip over this bit, as few of us have an image that we revere, so it can seem irrelevant, but, take a moment to ponder on the idea that the heart is an idol factory, and seeks something to love and worship, then ask yourself these questions; 

 If your heart has a throne in it, then what is sitting on it right now?

What or who do you rely on when things go well/not so well? 

What takes up most of your time/thoughts/affection?

Do you get surrounded and engulfed by things in your culture?

Are you relying on other things to fill the void or compensate for your emotions or situations? 

There are things that get in the way of all of us seeing God for who He is. Like Nebuchadnezzar, we can get excited one minute, and the next totally forget the importance of the One True God. Stuff and people can get in the way, we can get overwhelmed or unwell. Sometimes we get so excited about other things that we simply forget. Other things fill the space in our heart. If this sounds like you, then you're not alone. Living a life with God at the centre though needs to be intentional. Putting God on the throne of your life takes a conscious effort each and every day, because we forget. We get side-tracked, we become unmotivated and disorientated or even too busy with life at times. We are in danger of seeming as fickle as Nebuchadnezzar seems to be in this passage. 

If you know that you have given your focus and your throne over to something else, then take time to pray. Repent, accept forgiveness through Jesus and ask God to come again and take His rightful place in your life. Maybe some things need to be laid down so that you can give focus to God and give Him the rightful worship. Why not make a change today?

There’s only one throne in your heart - who is sitting on it?

Thursday 9 June 2022

The king, the chief guard and the exile

 

Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste and said thus to him: “I have found among the exiles from Judah a man who will make known to the king the interpretation.” *26*The king declared to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” *27*Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, *28*but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these: *29*To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be. *30*But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind. 

Daniel 2:25–30.


In the book of Daniel, we have already met these three characters, but not all in the same place at the same time. It is interesting to see how they interact, as it reveals the content of their characters when we see them together. So, today we are going to see what we notice about each of them;

First up we have the Captain of the king’s guard, Arioch. He is mentioned a few verses previously as he rushes to carry out the kings command to kill all the wise men, and now he is rushing to bring in Daniel. It seems this man knows the importance of his position, and he is anxious to fulfil it. The role Arioch has, has become who he is rather than just a job. He rushes around in self-importance as if it all depends on him, the kings problems are his problems, and he feels responsible for sorting it all out. Probably for good reason, as he recognises the reality that if he doesn’t do what the king wants, he will join the fate of the ‘wise men’ he’s had to do away with already. 

Arioch clearly finds his value in how well he completes his job. It has become who he is rather than a part of his identity. Now, don’t get me wrong, being in charge of the kings bodyguard is an important role, but have you ever met someone who seems to take their job a bit too seriously? As in their job becomes their life, rather than just a part of it? Someone who defines themselves by their success or failure? This is how Arioch is portrayed. He is dedicated to his role and to the king, and he rushes about trying to do his best for his boss, without really thinking through if it is the best idea or if the decisions are morally right.

It takes someone like Daniel to slow him down and consider what is actually in the best interests of those involved, including the king.

We also see the self-importance and pride that Arioch has, for in the introduction he gives he says, “I have found from among the exiles  from Judah a man who will make known to the king the interpretation”. I don’t remember reading that Arioch was on the look out to solve the mystery of the kings dream, do you? The last I recall was that Arioch was following the murderous plan to slaughter all the wise men who may have been able to help! It was only when Daniel challenged Arioch in the urgency that Arioch slowed down a bit. In fact, Daniel approached him, and asked for time., offering a solution.  Arioch didn’t go out searching for an answer to the king’s problem, instead he went out searching for those to kill. However, now, he is quite happy to take the credit for ‘finding’ Daniel and being a part of the solution! In order to look good in the kings eyes he’s quite happy to take the credit. I am sure we can all probably think of those who take credit where it is not due. Maybe that’s you, and you need a Daniel to pick you up on it.


The next person who speaks is the King, Nebuchadnezzar. Before this interaction we have already deducted how he is feeling; the king is sleep-deprived, angry, feels distrust towards the other ‘wise men’ and is concerned about being deceived. I doubt his condition has improved since he spoke with the enchanters, astrologers and astronomers. Yet, he gives Daniel a chance. Eventhough he has ordered the murder of all the people society considers wise (and Daniel is among them), he still allows Daniel to have a go. Perhaps because he is so desperate for a solution that he has just the smallest amount of hope that this troublesome dream can be solved. So he asks, “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?”. 

I would like to know the tone in which this is asked, wouldn’t you?  Is the king asking if Daniel can do this thing because he is astonished that this young man before him claims to have more understanding than the well seasoned ‘wise men’ he has already called upon? Is he asking through disappointment and annoyance? Or even in an exhausted, exasperated manner? We do not know how Nebuchadnezzar asked this question, and we are not meant to know, because actually it does not matter. Daniel does not rise to the manner in which the question is posed, but simply answers it. 


Next, we shall consider the final character in this scene, the young man, the ‘exile’, Daniel (Belteshazzar) . He comes into the king’s presence, without any ceremony. In fact, he comes in great humility. He is the only one out of the three that demonstrates humility - and he’s the one with the answers!

From the start of this interaction, Daniel acknowledges, that he is, like the others the king has called upon, merely human and that no human being can help with the king’s ‘mystery’.  (I am sure that didn’t improve the kings mood!) However he also acknowledges that there is a God in heaven capable of revealing mysteries, and Daniel has accepted his part in being a messenger from God to the king in order for Nebuchadnezzar to better understand himself. 

Daniel is aware and unashamed of his usefulness as a messenger and is content to be the go-between. He makes it clear that he is merely a messenger from God to the king, that he has no understanding of these things themselves, but that God has used him so that the king can have better understanding. He takes no credit. He gives all responsibility and honour to God - How different to how Arioch enters the room! 

Really, after Daniel’s admission, it is kind of surprising that the king carries on listening! Yet, Daniel continues, in confidence, and assures the king that God has imparted to him, ‘the thoughts of your mind’. Daniel recognises that this has been revealed to himself and his friends, not because they are more intelligent or respected or powerful than anyone else, but because the have sought God for the solution. They asked for the impossible, and got it, and it was not for them to keep to themselves, but the revelation that was received was to hep soothe a troubled mind and reveal something of what was to come.  


So, what can we learn from these three people? Has anything stood out to you in the way they bear themselves? Have you been inspired by how Daniel responds under pressure, amongst those deemed ‘greater’ than himself?

Can you detect any of the characteristics of these three men in your own life? If so, pray. Whether it is in gratitude or repentance. 


For me - I see that God needs those who are willing to step up and step out. No matter who they, or anyone else, considers them to be. We all have a purpose and we are all created with a piece of God inside of us, so we should not be ashamed of that. We also should not be ashamed of admitting that this is how God has made us - of giving the glory and credit to God like Daniel does. I shall endeavour to be more intentional in that.

Friday 3 June 2022

The power of gifts and community

This week, I have been struck by the way Daniel sees himself in the second chapter of Daniel, particularly in just this one verse;

To you, O God of my fathers, 

I give thanks and praise, 

for you have given me wisdom and might, 

and have now made known to me what we asked of you, 

for you have made known to us the king’s matter.” 

Daniel 2:23.

This verse is the end of Daniel’s recorded prayer after Nebuchadnezzar’s dream had been revealed to Daniel and his friends. 

Daniel recognises the gifts God has given him, ‘you have given me wisdom and might’.  Remember, Daniel is still a young man in this part of the book, possibly late teens yet he already knows who he is - a man of understanding and strength. Isn’t that pretty powerful?! 

Daniel is secure and unafraid to admit that his characteristics have been passed down from His God - like we inherit things from biological parents - we also inherit gifts from our Father in heaven. Daniel recognises that and is grateful for it. He admits and accepts that he has been given wisdom and might from God, as, a few verses before, Daniel has mentioned that all wisdom and strength are God’s. So, now he acknowledges that God has imparted some of that wisdom and might to himself. He is not ashamed of it, he accepts that this is how God has gifted him. He doesn’t feel proud of himself for his understanding and strength, as if he acquired them himself through study and hardwork, but he gives all credit to God. Eventhough Daniel, in reality, has been studying for 3 years (as a captive of the Babylonians). Yet he realises this knowledge he has is not from dedicated effort or appropriate learning from books or others, it is an insight, an understanding, a wisdom that only God can provide.

We see here how God has imparted part of His own character - his wisdom and might to Daniel. What part of Himself has God imparted to you? 

Each of us are made in the image of God as it tells us this in Genesis .Therefore we all, like Daniel, have inherited some of God’s character due to being made in His image - isn't that incredible?! What we see here with Daniel as well, is that he doesn't play down the fact that he is gifted in certain areas, but instead he acknowledges and accepts them, then uses them. God gives us gifts not to amuse ourselves or to just lay dormant, but they are an impartation to you to use that you may demonstrate to the world some of God's character! 

Daniel accepts and acknowledges  that he is graced with wisdom and might. He is not embarrassed by it, but he sees how he has something others don’t, and he gives God the credit - this is the right way to appreciate the way God has made you. By using his God-given abilities, Daniel saves lives and reveals who God is to the current king - that’s pretty epic! 

What could you achieve if you start to accept and acknowledge the character that God has imparted to you?


Another thing I notice from this verse is that Daniel takes no credit for the revelation he has received, do you notice that? He says, ‘for you have made known to us the king’s matter.’ Do you notice that little word, ‘us’? Daniel very graciously admits that the revelation is due to his friends as well as himself praying. He recognises the group effort, and that the revelation, the breakthrough belongs to them all, not just to him. 

Daniel has not prayed alone or been in this situation alone, he and his friends are immersed in it together. Therefore the recognition belongs to them all. As they have prayed together, so they share the joy together. Daniel knows his value as part of this faith community, and he honours the fact that this success is theirs too.

When you pray about significant matters, do you pray in community? 

Who are those that you can invite to pray with you? 

When you pray with others, do you also share the victory and celebrate the breakthrough together?

Daniel accepts, values and reaches out to the friends of faith in his life, make sure that you have people in your life that you can do the same with - this is what it is to be the family of God. It is not easy to trust people with the innermost hurts and difficult situations, i know, i am one that finds it hard to share, but we can see time and again throughout the Bible where prayer in community brings change. In Daniel alone, we see how Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, the firm faith-filled friends; interpreted dreams, helped rule a nation, escaped death and saved lives! Through walking faithfully with God, acknowledging their opportunities and gifts, and by working together. 

If you want to see things change, if you want to grow in your faith, then spend some time figuring out what your gifts are - ask God, ask others, they will help you. Accept and acknowledge how God has made you, and get others of faith with you through thick and thin and see what God can do. With these four lads - captives, young, vulnerable, faithful and faith-filled, God was able to influence kings, and demonstrate that He is, "God of gods and Lord of lords"! (v17)

I wonder what you and I could do if we gathered together, prayed, celebrated and accepted our God-given gifts...