Broadening Your Witness IV

Daniel 3

When we lived in El Paso, one of the highlights was the annual Air Show. One of the features, having nothing to do with flying was "Robosaurus" a 3-story large metal robot that could crush a junk car with its jaws and then set it ablaze from the fire breathed from its mouth. There was loud music and commentary and tens of thousands of onlookers who wildly screamed and applauded. It reminded me of gladitorial contests in ancient Rome as well as this scene from Daniel on the plain of Dora. It's amazing what people will do to strengthen their sense of power among the people, either by amazing them with spectacle or paralyzing them with fear. In this case, Nebuchadnezzar does both. The statue represents the massive power of the Babylonian empire and the fire is what happens to all those who oppose that power.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are turned in by the Chaldean astrologers,
the religious imposters of the Daniel story (they can't interpret the dreams,they follow others gods, and they are bought and paid for by the king). The story is told with wonderful artistry and detail. We can picture the flames getting hotter and higher in the furnace, as well as seeing the king's astonishment on his face, when there are four people in the furnace. Once again Nebuchadnezzar gives praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and gives the young men yet another promotion. And we all know what happened to those who threw the young men in the furnace!

For ministry purposes, there are great lessons here. First, following the LORD's way does not protect us from the plots and misunderstandings of others. People will feel at times threatened, competitive, jealous or even displaced. In those times of pain, we will find that there is an unanticipated companion in the flames with us...God Himself. In one of Oral Roberts' finest sermons, he asks the question, "Who is this fourth man?" He then traces the redeeming presence of God throughout the 66 books of the Bible. It was stirring to hear him do it. Most of us have learned, however, that we are not always exempt from getting burned! Second, in times of difficulty and even persecution, we are called to stand true to who and whose we are and what we are called to do. I have discovered that more witness is made in our losses and difficulties than in our victories and celebrations. Third, we can trust the hand of God to sustain us and save us, even in our most difficult times. As the letter to the Romans says, "In everything, God works for good for those who love him..."

Daniel 4

Daniel interprets another dream to Nebuchadnezzar, and this time it is more personal. The tree is the king himself and it (he) is to be toppled.
Upon restoration, the king once again gives praise to Israel's God. The supremacy of the LORD as the "true God" continues to be the drumbeat of the book of Daniel.

No doubt the stories so far gave great strength to the people as they went from exile to return. They provide the same for you and me. Take confidencem for the LORD is with you indeed!