Sunday
October 15
1. A ROYAL RELAPSE
a. Some time after the revelation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, what change occurred in the life of the king? Daniel 3:1–3.
“For a time afterward, Nebuchadnezzar was influenced by the fear of God; but his heart was not yet cleansed from worldly ambition and a desire for self-exaltation. The prosperity attending his reign filled him with pride. In time he ceased to honor God, and resumed his idol worship with increased zeal and bigotry.”–Prophets and Kings, pp. 503, 504.
“The symbolic representation by which God had revealed to king and people His purpose for the nations of earth, was now to be made to serve for the glorification of human power. Daniel’s interpretation was to be rejected and forgotten; truth was to be misinterpreted and misapplied. The symbol designed of Heaven to unfold to the minds of men important events of the future, was to be used to hinder the spread of the knowledge that God desired the world to receive.”–Ibid., p. 505.
b. What was the next step of the proud king? Daniel 3:4–6. How are we warned against this spirit today? Isaiah 10:1.
“The vainglory and oppression seen in the course pursued by the heathen king, Nebuchadnezzar, is being and will continue to be manifested in our day. History will repeat itself. In this age the test will be on the point of Sabbath observance. The heavenly universe behold men trampling upon the law of Jehovah, making the memorial of God, the sign between Him and His commandment-keeping people, a thing of naught, something to be despised, while a rival sabbath is exalted as was the great golden image in the plain of Dura. Men claiming to be Christians will call upon the world to observe this spurious sabbath that they have made. All who refuse will be placed under oppressive laws. This is the mystery of iniquity, the devising of satanic agencies, carried into effect by the man of sin.”–The Youth’s Instructor, July 12, 1904.
“An idol sabbath has been set up, as the golden image was set up in the plains of Dura. And as Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, issued a decree that all who would not bow down and worship this image should be killed, so a proclamation will be made that all who will not reverence the Sunday institution will be punished with imprisonment and death.”–Manuscript Releases, vol. 14, p. 91.
Monday
October 16
2. FAITHFUL AGAINST THE MAJORITY
a. What was the response to Nebuchadnezzar’s decree? Daniel 3:7.
“On that eventful day the powers of darkness seemed to be gaining a signal triumph; the worship of the golden image bade fair to become connected permanently with the established forms of idolatry recognized as the state religion of the land.”–Prophets and Kings, p. 506.
b. Who stood faithfully in opposition to idolatry? Daniel 3:8–12. Describe the similar plight of God’s faithful today.
“To bow down when in prayer to God is the proper attitude to occupy. This act of worship was required of the three Hebrew captives in Babylon. . . . But such an act was homage to be rendered to God alone–the Sovereign of the world, the Ruler of the universe; and these three Hebrews refused to give such honor to any idol even though composed of pure gold. In doing so, they would, to all intents and purposes, be bowing to the king of Babylon.”–Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 312.
“Important are the lessons to be learned from the experience of the Hebrew youth on the plain of Dura. In this our day, many of God’s servants, though innocent of wrongdoing, will be given over to suffer humiliation and abuse at the hands of those who, inspired by Satan, are filled with envy and religious bigotry. Especially will the wrath of man be aroused against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment; and at last a universal decree will denounce these as deserving of death.”–Prophets and Kings, p. 512.
Tuesday
October 17
3. GOD AND THE AUTHORITIES
a. Describe Nebuchadnezzar’s sentiments toward the Hebrews. Daniel 3:13–15.
“Firmly the Hebrews testified to their allegiance to the God of heaven, and their faith in His power to deliver. The act of bowing to the image was understood by all to be an act of worship. Such homage they could render to God alone.
“As the three Hebrews stood before the king, he was convinced that they possessed something the other wise men of his kingdom did not have. They had been faithful in the performance of every duty. He would give them another trial. If only they would signify their willingness to unite with the multitude in worshiping the image, all would be well with them.”–Prophets and Kings, p. 507.
b. How did the three Hebrews express their trust in God? Daniel 3:16–18. What can we learn from them, as well as from the apostles Peter and John in a similar case? Acts 4:18–20.
“We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God’s word must be recognized as above all human legislation. A ‘Thus saith the Lord’ is not to be set aside for a ‘Thus saith the church’ or a ‘Thus saith the state.’ The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates.
“We are not required to defy authorities. Our words, whether spoken or written, should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as uttering that which would make us appear antagonistic to law and order. We are not to say or do anything that would unnecessarily close up our way. We are to go forward in Christ’s name, advocating the truths committed to us.”–The Acts of the Apostles, p. 69.
Wednesday
October 18
4. LIGHT AMIDST DARKNESS
a. How did Nebuchadnezzar react to the steadfast fidelity of God’s servants? Daniel 3:19–21. How is the king’s fury paralleled today?
“It is a fearful thing for any soul to place himself on Satan’s side of the question; for as soon as he does this a change passes over him, as it is said of the king of Babylon, that his visage changed toward the three faithful Hebrews. Past history will be repeated. Men will reject the Holy Spirit’s working, and open the door of the mind to satanic attributes that separate them from God. They will turn against the very messengers through whom God sends the messages of warning.”–Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, p. 122.
b. What sudden turn of events startled the king? Daniel 3:22–25.
“How did that heathen king know what the Son of God was like? The Hebrew captives filling positions of trust in Babylon had in life and character represented before him the truth. When asked for a reason of their faith, they had given it without hesitation. Plainly and simply they had presented the principles of righteousness, thus teaching those around them of the God whom they worshiped. They had told of Christ, the Redeemer to come; and in the form of the fourth in the midst of the fire the king recognized the Son of God.”–Prophets and Kings, p. 509.
Thursday
October 19
5. HELP IN OUR OWN SITUATION
a. How was God’s name vindicated at the fiery furnace? Daniel 3:26–30. Like the three Hebrew worthies, in what promise can we trust? Isaiah 43:2.
“By the deliverance of His faithful servants, the Lord declared that He takes His stand with the oppressed, and rebukes all earthly powers that rebel against the authority of Heaven. . . .
“In a marvelous manner [the three Hebrews’] faith in the living Word had been honored in the sight of all. The tidings of their wonderful deliverance were carried to many countries by the representatives of the different nations that had been invited by Nebuchadnezzar to the dedication. Through the faithfulness of His children, God was glorified in all the earth.” –Prophets and Kings, pp. 511, 512.
b. How should this history apply to us? 1 Peter 4:12–16. What assurance has been given us in view of the great ordeal soon to come? Jeremiah 30:7.
“As in the days of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, so in the closing period of earth’s history the Lord will work mightily in behalf of those who stand steadfastly for the right. He who walked with the Hebrew worthies in the fiery furnace will be with His followers wherever they are. His abiding presence will comfort and sustain. In the midst of the time of trouble–trouble such as has not been since there was a nation–His chosen ones will stand unmoved. Satan with all the hosts of evil cannot destroy the weakest of God’s saints. Angels that excel in strength will protect them, and in their behalf Jehovah will reveal Himself as a ‘God of gods,’ able to save to the uttermost those who have put their trust in Him.”–Prophets and Kings, p. 513.
Friday
October 20
REVIEW AND THOUGHT QUESTIONS
1. Why did the king return to his pagan practices?
2. What placed the three Hebrews in opposition to the majority?
3. What is a balanced position with regard to the authorities?
4. What will characterize God’s remnant in the crisis ahead?
5. Name some promises which can help us face heavy trials.