Courage Under Fire

July 4, 1776 - 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence pledging their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. and with a firm reliance on Providence.

A Contest of Powers

Nebuchadnezzar set up a statue, likely an image

Cubit = 1’ 6”. 90’ tall 9’ wide

We don’t know the time frame, but God had revealed that His Kingdom would rule over all and would crush the “statue of empires” in chapter 2.

Their Conviction in the Face of Compromise

It would have been easy just to go along, but they did not.

God uses our past experiences to prepare us for future challenges.

The previous decision gave the strength in this decision. (no other Jews are mentioned).

Are you willing to stand in the face of public pressure?

A conviction is something that you are convinced is right and true, and willing to give your life for it.

Their Courage under Fire

They were maliciously accused. Lit. “eat to pieces”. The intent of their accusers is to destroy them. Their godly life and resulting promotion had produced enemies.

Nebuchadnezzar is furious, “Who is able to deliver you from my hands?”

If Nebuchadnezzar was the source of their prosperity and fortunes they would

Their answer:

No debate, they already had decided who they would serve and worship.

God is able – they completely trusted His power.

But if not – they completely trusted His sovereignty in their life.

Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, I will hope in him”

When Christ was on trial before Pilate he fully trusted the Father’s plan. John 19:11 “Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.””

Even if the Lord doesn’t spare us from the trial we have the assurance that He is with us.

Comfort in the Midst of Trial

Christ came to them! In the midst of their trial the Lord met them.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for my name’s sake…”

There are some things about the Lord that we only learn in the midst of the fire.

It was in the trial that they found the Lord’s presence. And it was in the trial that God revealed His power to a foreign land.

Confession of a Heathen King

There is no other God who can deliver like this!