Daniel 2:1-3:30
Jeremiah 7:1-8:3
The Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar has risen to world power, conquered
Judah, and taken captive some of the people. Daniel and his three friends,
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were among them. However, though the Jews were
under Babylonian authority, the Lord quickly reminded the Babylonians that they
were under His authority. He did this with two events.
First, He disturbed Nebuchadnezzar with a dream that only He could
interpret (2:1-49). It was a dream of a giant statue of mixed metals. The head was made
of gold, the chest and arms of silver, the belly and thighs of bronze, the legs
of iron, and the feet of iron and clay. In short, the Lord revealed to the King
the four great empires of ancient history — the Babylonians (the head of gold),
the Medo-Persians (chest and arms of silver), the Greeks (belly and thighs of
bronze), and the legs of iron (Romans). The rock that fell from heaven and
struck the feet of iron and clay is the Kingdom of God that will be established
by Christ in the end times.
The second event occurred when Nebuchadnezzar built and dedicated a
statue to himself. At the dedication, he demanded that all people bow before
it. Of course, doing so would defy the first commandment, of having no other
gods but the One True God. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow
down, they were cast into a fiery furnace, only to be rescued by the Lord. It
was the second time that Nebuchadnezzar had a run-in with our God.
As great and powerful as he was, he discovered that there was a higher
power than him, the God of heaven and earth. Daniel wrote, “Praise His name
forever and ever, for He alone has all wisdom and power. He determines the
course of world events; He removes kings and sets others on the throne” (2:19, 20).
Daily Reflection
While it is an honor to serve our God, it is never easy, especially when
the world wants to “tear us limb from limb” or throw us into “a furnace.” Standing
up for the Lord among the cynical skeptics of the world demands a great deal of
courage and faith. Have you ever faced such a decision, when you were forced to choose
God or going with the flow? Explain.
What did you do when you were faced with this tough choice? Did you
demonstrate courage and faith or cower to the enemy?
Persecution is quickly becoming a reality in America. Why do you think
that is?
With a world system that is bent on plowing under the principles and
people of God, it is only a matter of time before the pressure will be put on
you to make a choice. What will you do in that moment, bow down like everyone
else or stand up and represent your God?
BiAY.org | Day 219 — 146 Days to Go
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