Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 12
Day 12 - Tuesday, July 09
Read Daniel 3
Highlight
Here we find the famous story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and the fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar erects a massive golden statue and commands everyone to worship it. The three friends refuse, declaring their unwavering faith in God, even under the threat of death.
Their refusal to bow down to the statue is an act of immense courage and faith. And in response, God does something truly incredible. It would be difficult to overstate the enormity of this miraculous work. Not only is not a hair on their heads singed, and they emerge unscathed (with a fourth figure— ‘like a son of the gods’ —walking with them in the fire), but the known world is changed. Because of their faithfulness the people of God are given new status and protection in the Kingdom of Babylon.
Our unlikely heroes are calm, collected, resolute. They are respectful of King Nebuchadnezzar and his authority though they know the results of their peaceful protest. And while they are confident of God’s power to save, they are at rest in His sovereignty and goodness. Because of their faith, God rightly receives all of the glory that King Nebuchadnezzar was seeking.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Daniel 3
Highlight
Here we find the famous story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and the fiery furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar erects a massive golden statue and commands everyone to worship it. The three friends refuse, declaring their unwavering faith in God, even under the threat of death.
Their refusal to bow down to the statue is an act of immense courage and faith. And in response, God does something truly incredible. It would be difficult to overstate the enormity of this miraculous work. Not only is not a hair on their heads singed, and they emerge unscathed (with a fourth figure— ‘like a son of the gods’ —walking with them in the fire), but the known world is changed. Because of their faithfulness the people of God are given new status and protection in the Kingdom of Babylon.
Our unlikely heroes are calm, collected, resolute. They are respectful of King Nebuchadnezzar and his authority though they know the results of their peaceful protest. And while they are confident of God’s power to save, they are at rest in His sovereignty and goodness. Because of their faith, God rightly receives all of the glory that King Nebuchadnezzar was seeking.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
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