Lessons from Daniel
Having a Good Example (Daniel 3:1-30)
This passage is a very familiar passage to those who have been raised in church. In this passage Nebuchadnezzar sets up an image and demands that everyone worship it. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not worship the statue the furnace was heated seven times more than it had been heated before. The fire was so hot that it consumed the men that through the 3 Hebrew children into the fire. God delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the burning fiery furnace and Nebuchadnezzar promoted them in the Land.
What is this event a type of?
In this event in Daniel we see a type of what will happen during the tribulation. During the tribulation there will be an image of the beast (Anti-christ) set up. And those who will not worship the image will be killed (Revelation 13:11-18).
Where was Daniel?
The question always comes up about where Daniel was and why he was not thrown into the furnace also. I believe the answer is found in the last verse of chapter 2. After Daniel interpreted the dream of the king he was promoted to the chief of the governors over all the wise men (Daniel 2:48). At the end of chapter 2 we see that Daniel’s position was to sit in the gate of the king. It is most likely that Daniel was sitting in the gate and not in the plain of Dura where this event was taking place. Therefore we would not have been present to be tempted with worshipping the image.
What can we learn from this event?
Before this point in time Daniel had been the leader when it came to him and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 1:8 ; 2:17-18). But at this event Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were on their own. They had the courage to stand up to the king and trust that God would deliver them. They had seen Daniel do this and they had seen God deliver.
We need Godly examples like Daniel in our lives today. This is what Paul told Timothy to be in 1 Timothy 4:12. It is much easier to make the right decision when there is someone to push you in that direction. But eventually you will be on your own just like the 3 Hebrew children. You will have to trust God and see him deliver. Get some Godly people in your life and follow them until you are faced with your own situation and when it comes time stick with God and let him deliver.
Lessons from Daniel
Having a Good Example (Daniel 3:1-30) : Handout
1) What is going on in the passage in regards to the 3 Hebrew children?
2) What is this event a type of?
3) What is the most likely reason that Daniel was not present or a part of this temptation?
4) What is the lesson for us from this passage?