We begin the Fall quarter with lessons that illuminate the commitment, sacrifices, and challenges of the life of a prophet and his friends. God used Daniel, his gifts, and his friends to demonstrate their “Faithful Service!” Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah,
Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.

Although these young men were taken, from Jerusalem into captivity by the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, their faith helped them to: “Honors God’s Law,” they “Refuse to Bow,” and they decided to “Trust God!” There geographical location and their names were changed but they maintained their faith in their God! Daniel honored God by choosing to not eat the king’s food and only eat what they were
accustomed to eating. The three Hebrew boys refused to bow down and worship an image. Their rebellion caused them to be thrown into the fiery furnace. They declared they would rather serve God than to compromise their faith and bow down an image.

How do we capitalize from the challenges of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They knew who they were in God and the relied on the power of God to deliver them out of the hands of the enemy.

Questions to consider:

1. How did Daniel offer a creative alternative in his request to not eat of the king’s
   food?
2. What does the obedience of the men reveal about their faith?
3. Of what were the three men confident?
4. What was their attitude toward idolatry?
5. What did God accomplish in allowing His three servants to go through such a
   difficult trial?
6. What was the king’s new understanding about God?