This month we are learning about the Old Testament story of Daniel. In Daniel 3, we see the boldness of Daniel's friends - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. King Nebuchadnezzar commanded everyone to worship an idol rather than the one true God. Those that do not obey will be thrown into the fiery furnace - yikes! Daniel's friends refuse to obey the king because they refuse to break the First Commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me". They recognized God's power but also recognized He has power to do what He sees fit!
In Daniel 6, Daniel is put into a similar situation as his friends. Men became jealous of the favor Daniel found in the eyes of the new king, Darius. They knew that Daniel would not bow down to anyone other than God so they persuaded Darius to command all to worship himself. The punishment for those that didn’t obey? Being thrown into the lion’s den - ouch! Not much better than the furnace. Still, Daniel refuses to worship his friend, the king. Darius even hopes that God delivers Daniel as they throw him to the lions. Later when Darius checks on him, Daniel is alive and well, praising God – much to the surprise of all! The Lord closed the mouths of the lions!
All four of the men trusted the Lord and put their lives in His hands, unsure of their outcome but knowing that He knows what’s best!
Go Deeper!
• Do you think it was hard for Daniel and his friends to obey God?
Definitely! Their lives were at risk if they were wrong! Thankfully, they based their hope on the truth of God's Word! It is only because of God's character and His promises that they had the strength to stand up to the king.
"And we know that in all things
God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose..."
Romans 8:28
Paul even writes a few verses later in the Book of Romans, "If God is with us, who can be against us?" It's like when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego told the king that God can save them from the furnace but even if He decides not to, they still will not worship false gods. Wow! They understand the power of our God and that He chooses what is best for us, even if we don't understand it at the time.God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose..."
Romans 8:28
• Do you think it was hard for Daniel and his friends to obey God?
Definitely! Their lives were at risk if they were wrong! Thankfully, they based their hope on the truth of God's Word! It is only because of God's character and His promises that they had the strength to stand up to the king.
Grow Together!
During this unit, your children are also learning about kids just like them that live in countries where it is punishable by law to openly worship Christ and even to talk about Him.
- Talk about the type of environment that Daniel and his friends were in. Their very lives were threatened when they wouldn't worship an object or another person.
- Pray with your family and thank God that you live in a place where you are free to worship, pray and believe in Jesus!
- Talk about the type of environment that Daniel and his friends were in. Their very lives were threatened when they wouldn't worship an object or another person.
- Pray with your family and thank God that you live in a place where you are free to worship, pray and believe in Jesus!
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