"WHERE'S DANIEL?" (Daniel 2:48-3:1-18)

Chapter 3 opens with Nebuchadnezzar making the declarations that on the appointed day, at the sound of the instruments, everyone is to bow and worship the statue that he set up. The day comes. The instruments sound. The people bow-that is, everyone except three individuals: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Everyone bows except Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Where is Daniel? Is Daniel bowing? Is he on vacation? Is he hiding out? Where is he? The boys are taken to Nebuchadnezzar, who confronts them and who challenges them. Still there is no sign of Daniel. Daniel is the one who usually speaks to Nebuchadnezzar. Where is Daniel? Why are they facing this situation by themselves? Why isn't he in this situation with them?

If you look hard enough at the boys in the dilemma, you just might see yourself. It's that occasion when you are confronted with a dilemma, a problem, a perplexity, and the person you thought should be going through with you is not around. It's that time when mother or father, husband or wife, pastor or prayer partner aren't available. It's that time when you're going through something that you believe others should be going through too. You ask, Why am I the only one going through this? 

In Daniel's absence, the three Hebrew boys discover that this isn't Daniel's challenge. This is their challenge. This is a part of their course. This is a part of their fight. The same is true for you. Whatever confronts you is a part of your race. It's a part of your fight. It's a part of your journey. 

Tuesday, September 16 is Pastor Stephen King's 31st Year of Pastoral Leadership at Memorial Tabernacle Church. He enters this new year as if it is year 1 - redigging old wells and hoping for a new generation!

Join the Memorial Tabernacle Church Family as Pastor King does one of his favorite things - teaching Bible Study! Plan to be in attendance for Shepherd's Bible Study Tuesday, September 16 at 7PM.

Get Your Anniversary Gear!