What Would You Do? Daniel 1-3

Have you ever wanted to be a hero? As I grew up, I envisioned myself as a hero, saving others and doing good for others. My parents helped me to understand who the true “heroes.” were. They were the ones who God lifted up in the bible as ones who not only believed in Him, but lived before others in a way that helped others to be better and stand for truth. If you want to be a person God would lift up and put in His book of life, then follow the example of the young men we are going to briefly discuss.

Let’s start by asking some questions: What would you do if you were taken from this country by enemies at an early age? What would you do if they decided to change your name? What would you do if they decided to change your culture? What would you do if they decided to change your “religion?” That is what happened to Hananiah, Mischael and Azariah!

Background Happened around 2600 plus years ago. Judah has been attacked by Nebuchadnezzar’s army the Babylonians or Chaldeans. Came from the same area that is known as Iraq today. Babylonians have taken captive young men of higher status who they will use to serve them well. The young men are probably between 14 &18 years old so they can be trained – Daniel 1:3-4. Among those young men are Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah and Daniel from the tribe of Judah. We are going to talk about three of those young men.

Characteristics Clearly these young men had been trained in the Law of Moses In their names it shows their parents wanted them to have a knowledge of God They do not change just because they are in a foreign place They do not change just because their names are changed Hananiah – Yahweh (God) is gracious Shadrach – ISBE – the servant of sin Mishael – Who is like Yahweh (God)? Meshach – ISBE – the shadow of the prince Azariah - Yahweh (God) has helped Abed-Nego – servant of Ishtar or Nego They have tremendous faith in God over man

What Did They Do? They took no chances with eating something that was not approved by God – Daniel 1:5-13 God blessed them for it – Daniel 1:15-20

What Did They Do? They showed their faith in prayer – Daniel 2:13, 17-18 God blessed them by answering it – Daniel 2:19

They showed their faith in God when tested with fire – Daniel 3:1-30 What Did They Do? They showed their faith in God when tested with fire – Daniel 3:1-30 An image of gold is made for all to fall down and worship when music is heard Anyone who disobeys will be cast into a burning fiery furnance Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego refuse to fall down and worship Others tell the king He is angry and says “And who is the god that will deliver you from my hands?”

They show their faith in God when tested with fire – Daniel 3:1-30 What Did They Do? They show their faith in God when tested with fire – Daniel 3:1-30 Their answer is amazing “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.” "If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.” "But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."

They show their faith in God when tested with fire – Daniel 3:1-30 What Did They Do? They show their faith in God when tested with fire – Daniel 3:1-30 The fire is made so hot that it consumes those who throw them in. As Nebuchadnezzar looks into the fire he sees not three, but four figures. Nebuchadnezzar speaks and says, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.“ They come out without even a singed hair; their garments affected or even the smell of fire on them.

What Did They Do? They show their faith in God when tested with fire – Daniel 3:1-30 Nebuchadnezzar’s final words. "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this."

Why Did They Do What They Did? Their training from parents Do you honor your godly parents? Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."

Why Did They Do What They Did? Their knowledge of the Law of Moses What is your knowledge of the bible? 2 Peter 1:5-7 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

Why Did They Do What They Did? Their wisdom from God Do you seek wisdom from God? James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Why Did They Do What They Did? Their peer pressure to each other Do you support and lift up other young people in the truth? Acts 16:25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

Why Did They Do What They Did? Their faith in prayer Do you have that kind of faith in prayer? 1 John 5:14-15 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Why Did They Do What They Did? Their faith in God Where is your faith? Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him."

Why Did They Do What They Did? Their deep reverence for God Where is your reverence? Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.

Why Did They Do What They Did? Their faith passed the test Will your faith stand through the fire? 1 Corinthians 3:12-13 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.

These three young men are great examples for all of us. Daniel who was a great friend to them and followed God as well would be tested again when he was at least 80 years old by being thrown into the lion’s den by the Medes and Persians. He too would pass the test. What would we do?