Shadrach, Meschach, Abednego and Daniel

Did you ever notice, in the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that they are the only three people in the gathering who did not bow down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzer had made? Why wasn't Daniel mentioned?

I know some will find that thought offensive and even horrifying, since it suggests that Daniel failed a test that all of us consider to be a no-brainer. Personally, I find it reassuring, because it means that Daniel is like me. He fails, sometimes spectacularly, but he finds forgiveness, discovers a new beginning, and when the test comes along later on, he shows that he has learned.

God has staked everything on a people who are quick to anger, slow to listen, and far too willing to set convenience before principle, and principle before people. He is far more gracious to us than we expect or allow ourselves to be, and that should give us comfort.

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