Daniel and his friends

Dear Friends,

Daniel and his friends; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are our next examples of workers from the Bible.

There is a colourful illustrated book titled ‘Daniel and his friends’ by Helen Caswell which I recommend for people who would like to share the story with their children. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3017205-daniel-and-his-friends

For us adults; below are my chosen excerpts from the Book of Daniel:

Daniel Chapter 1 – The King of Babylon conquered Jerusalem and ordered that young men with the required qualities from the Israelite royal family be trained for three years and brought into his service.

Among those who were chosen from Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah who were given new names respectively as Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These four resolved not to defile themselves with the royal food and wine, and still, they looked healthier and better nourished than the others.

God gave Daniel and his friends more knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning and Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

Daniel Chapter 2 – Daniel urged his friends to pray to God so that he can resolve the mystery of the King’s dream and interpretation. Daniel’s ability to know and interpret the dream made King Nebuchadnezzar pay him honour, ordering that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king proclaimed that Daniel’s God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries.

Daniel was made ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed in charge of all its wise men. Daniel did not forget his friends; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and they were all appointed as administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court.

Daniel Chapter 3 – Daniel and his friends were thrown into a burning furnace because they refused to worship the image of gold as commanded by King Nebuchadnezzar.

The fire did not harm them, and this again made King Nebuchadnezzar praise the God of Daniel and his friends, recognising that no other god can save in this way. This miracle led to a promotion for Daniel and his friends.

Daniel Chapter 4 – Daniel interpreted another dream for King Nebuchadnezzar and the fulfilment of that dream came twelve months later. As foretold, the King was driven away from people and lived like an animal for seven seasons. The King’s sanity was only restored after he humbled himself and gave honour and praise to the Most High God.

Daniel Chapter 5 – Daniel served the son of King Nebuchadnezzar, King Belshazzar. He was sought after to interpret the mysterious writing on the wall caused by the King’s pride, his dishonour of the Most High God, and desecrating His temple utensils.

Daniel was honoured and made the third highest ruler in the kingdom. But that very night King Belshazzar was slain, and a new ruler, King Darius took over.

Daniel Chapter 6 – Daniel served a third King, King Darius. He distinguished himself among the three Administrators; he was trustworthy and diligent in his work. His competitors knew that the only way to find charges against him will be something to do with asking him to disobey the law of his God.

The king was made to issue a decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to the King, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. Daniel of course continued praying to his God three times a day and this led to him been thrown into the lion’s den.

But God sent His angel, and He shut the mouths of the lions so they could not hurt Daniel. His accusers were thrown into the lion’s den and were destroyed. The King then issued a new decree that in every part of his kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and still served the next King, Cyrus the Persian.

Daniel Chapter 7 to Chapter 12 describes Daniel’s end-time dreams and visions which are of huge significance in interpreting the times even today.

The Furnace could not harm Daniel and his friends

Lessons learned from Daniel and his friends

• Daniel and his friends had plenty of reasons to be miserable and depressed, yet they carried on living with a positive attitude.
• Daniel and his friends were respectful to the culture they were brought. They sought permission to do things their way for example not eating the choice food offered.
• They were faithful in not defiling themselves and were focused on obeying every law of their God.
• God honoured their faithfulness, He made sure they were well nourished, gave them wisdom and understanding above everyone else, and protected them from every harm.
• Daniel and his friends offer support and encouragement to one another. They were content and did not jostle for the highest position.
• They look out for one another for example Daniel put in a good word for his friends when he had the opportunity.
• They did not pay attention to their detractors and enemies, rather they focus their activities on obeying the laws of their God.
• Daniel and his friends were ready to go through persecution. They were at peace going into the furnace or the lion’s den, whether God saves them or not.
• The miracles that came through the faithfulness of Daniel and his Friends led to the glory of their God.

The same lions that did not touch Daniel, immediately leaped on his accusers and killed them

How can we apply the lessons today?

Today’s workers can take several applications from the example of Daniel and his friends, but I will like to focus on two:

The first is that God always rewards His faithful children. Despite everything that Daniel and His friends went through, God never leaves their side. He ensured they were properly looked after, nourished, protected from the lion and the furnace. All because they were faithful and did not forsake their God.

This is good to know by anyone who is facing a difficult time, especially as a result of persecution. God will never forsake His own and He will not allow His name to be profaned. However, we should be determined, like Daniel and his friends, that we will not also forsake our God no matter how bad the situation.

The second application I want to draw out is the importance of having true and faithful friends. True friends comfort us, encourage us, and keep us focused on God. Daniel and his friends were able to strengthen each other in their faith while being surrounded by ungodly beliefs and customs. They faced their tests together, obeyed God together, and spent time together in unified prayer.

Loyal and faithful friends support one another in prayer

You can read more about this from a recent devotional from Dr. Michael Youssef titled ‘The role of Godly friend’ – https://uk.ltw.org/read/my-devotional/2021/04/the-role-of-godly-friends

As followers of Jesus Christ in the workplace, we must make sure we have good, loyal friends around us. This is why we need Christian friends in the workplace, and this can be achieved in a work fellowship or Workplace Christian Group.

An organisation that I know can help with connecting, equipping, and supporting workplace groups is Transform Work UK and you can check out their website at  https://www.transformworkuk.org/

Fishers of Men Ministry is also interested in offering support and encouragement to workplace fellowship groups so please drop us an email if you need advice or support in the area.

Please also read a previous and relevant blog we published on the principle of partnership in the workplace https://fmministry.co.uk/principles-of-work-partnership

I hope you have benefited from reading this blog and that you are encouraged as a follower of Jesus Christ in the workplace. if so, please share the blog with others and encourage them to subscribe to the newsletter. Please also continue to send your feedback and comments to hello@fmministry.co.uk or use the comment box below.

God bless you and let us keep growing in the image of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Adesina