Daniel 3 (7)

Introduction
Daniel 3 begins with King Nebuchadnezzar heading off in the wrong direction as a next step from his confession in Daniel 2.47. He’s trying to control God for his own purposes, but he will soon enough learn that he cannot keep God from doing what He intends. We’re reminded of Nebuchadnezzar’s attempt to use God for his purposes when we read about Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8.

Read Acts 8.9-24.

Read and Meditate on Daniel 3.

Think it Through
1.  Nebuchadnezzar was headed in the right direction with God after Daniel reported and interpreted his dream in chapter 2: “The king answered Daniel, and said, ‘Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.’” But in chapter 3, he took a misstep. He went beyond what God had revealed to him, and he sought to use God for his own purposes. Do people today try to use God for their own advantage? How can we tell when that’s the case? What are some ways that people today go beyond what God has written in His Word?

2.  By the end of Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar has learned more about the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. His first confession about God (2.47) kept God at a distance, in a realm of gods and “kings” (except himself, of course), as a revealer of secrets. Now God has made Himself rather more personally known to the king, and his confession indicates a greater appreciation of the nearness of God. Explain. Nevertheless, his confession in verses 28, 29 is not what God is seeking. What’s lacking?

Meditate
“They came in order to worship the image; and they departed, having derided the image and struck with wonder at the power of God through the signs that had taken place with respect to these young men.” John Chrysostom (344-407 AD)

“I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yourscan be withheld from You.
You asked, ‘Who isthis who hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
Listen, please, and let me speak;
You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’
“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear,
But now my eye sees You.
Therefore I abhor myself,
And repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42.2-6

Lord, let my confession of faith in You be always sincere and true, and let me show the sincerity of my faith by…

Pray
Pray through Psalm 115. Here we are reminded that, while God has given us much blessing and authority on earth, all glory and honor belong ultimately to Him. This psalm can help to keep us from veering off course with the Lord.

Psalm 115 (Plainfield: Nothing But the Blood of Jesus)
Not to us, O God, not us, but unto Your Name give glory!
For Your love and faithfulness, ever to Your Name be glory!
Why should the nations cry, “Where is their God on high?”
You rule us, Lord, on high: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Idols made by men's own hand – ever to Your Name be glory –
see nor hear nor understand – ever to Your Name be glory!
They neither feel nor walk, nor can they speak or talk;
All those who serve them fall, but unto Your Name be glory!

All who trust in Jesus yield – ever to His Name be glory! -
find in Him their help and shield – ever to Your Name be glory!
O Israel, trust the Lord! He helps us evermore!
Fear Him obey His Word: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Blessings from our gracious Lord – ever to Your Name be glory –
Will attend us evermore – ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless all who fear You, Lord, all who obey Your Word,
All who Your Name adore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Grant us, Savior, great increase – ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless us with eternal peace – ever to Your Name be glory!
Heaven and earth are Yours; let every soul adore
And bless You evermore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

T. M Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press).