STANDING TOGETHER
Erin Kranz
Today's Scripture: “Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, 'Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?'” Daniel 3:14, ESV
Theme: Nurture the kind of community that remains unified in godly integrity.
CONSISTENCY
The book of Daniel is a pretty interesting read. As kids, we hear the story of “Daniel and the lion’s den,” but that didn’t happen until Daniel was roughly 70 years old. Well before that event, when he was likely 17 or 18, Daniel and his friends were carried away from Jerusalem into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon.
In Daniel, chapters one and two, we see this group of friends remain faithful in their convictions and food choices, despite the king’s orders. God blessed them and later, and they even avoid being killed by praying for God to reveal the king’s dream and interpretation to them. By the time we get to chapter three and King Nebuchadnezzar threatens to throw them in the fiery furnace if they don’t bow down and worship his statue, it’s no surprise that these three refused to do so. They, like Daniel, had consistently made choices to honor God and put Him first over and over. When this big test came, they were able to stand true to God’s commands.
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
It’s always easier to stand when you’re doing it with a group. As Solomon said, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12, NIV). Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego grew and stood together in many trials, and God blessed them as a result: “As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.... And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom” (Daniel 1:17,20 ESV).
CHANGING OTHERS
Another thing I love about this story is that it affected larger change outside of their own group. With many ups and downs, after watching these four young men, King Nebuchadnezzar actually acknowledged and followed God. Can you imagine the ripple effect that resulted when the king himself professed the one true God? That’s the ultimate goal we should have when we come together in godly community – for our lives and actions to draw others to Him!
Make It Personal: Where are you in your journey of partaking in godly community? Whether it’s reaching out to an acquaintance or old friend, having a spiritual conversation with an existing friend, joining a life group, or something else, what is one tangible step you can take today towards letting your life be used for God in conjunction with others?
Pray: Lord, thank You for the gift of community, and forgive me for the times I’ve shied away from it. Teach me to be an encouragement to those around me and to spur my brothers and sisters in Christ to grow in our service to You. Help us be a light to others together. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Daniel 3
Weekly Memory Verse: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” 1 Corinthians 15:33, ESV