If Daniel had a resume, he could write that he was an interpreter and problem solver.
The Book of Daniel is so interesting. As a child you learn about Daniel and the lion's den, but that is not the only story that occurs in his life, and they are all such good reminders to never give up and never give in. I know I need to pay attention, so I spent some time reflecting on this.
Daniel and his friends are wise young men. They are taken as slaves from their home in Judah when King Nebuchadnezzar comes from Babylon and besieges it, taking many of the young & skillful people back to Babylon. The plan is to turn them into Babylonians so they don't resist their ways. They are taught the literature and language of the Chaldeans. Their names are even changed to Babylonian names: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Young, wise, and followers of God, these four friends do not give in to living the king's ways. Instead of going against their beliefs to eat the king's food, Daniel asks for a vegan diet and says if after a short time they are not as strong or stronger than the others, they will go back to the king's diet. They are as strong, if not stronger. Problem solved. Then Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which no other person could do, and quickly rises in ranks and is favored by the king.
However, when it comes down to power and greatness, the king gave himself all credit to creating such a vast kingdom of Babylon. So much so, that and he set up a huge golden statue and commanded all people to bow down and worship it, or they would be cast into a fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow down to the golden statue and the king was beside himself in anger. He ordered the furnace to be seven times hotter, and commanded his guards to tie them up and throw them in. The guards are killed by the intense heat as they throw them in, but suddenly the king sees the three friends walking around in the furnace, unbound, accompanied by an unknown fourth figure. They are called to come out of the furnace and not a thread is burnt on their cloaks. King Nebuchadnezzar immediately begins to praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego saying that anyone who does not worship God will be torn limb from limb.
Even if the worst had happened, as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego said, they would not serve or worship the golden statue. They were ready to perish, if need be, before they would go against God. And along the way, they showed how to do the right thing, all the time.
As I continue to read the Book of Daniel, these stories encourage me.
Don't give up. Don't give in.
God will take care of us when we are obedient.
Problem solved.
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