Resistance IV
Ungovernable: Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel
by the Rev. AJ Ochart
This week we continue the August Sermon Series on Resistance with a story from the book of Daniel. The stories of the prophet Daniel are set across the time of exile, under multiple emperors and empires. They are ‘court tales’ of resistance under imperial rule which were likely written down after the end of the exile when the descendants of Judah (now called ‘Jewish’) were under the rule of the Greek Empires. The second half of the scroll of Daniel contains apocalyptic literature which was likely written far after the first part.
Today’s story; however, is not one in which Daniel plays almost any role, but is about his fellow exiles: Hananiah (Adonai has been gracious), Mishael (Who is like God?), and Azariah (Adonai has helped); or as they are more better known- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. In chapter 1, they and Daniel are taken in the first wave of exiles from Jerusalem to Babylon. There they are trained as court officials. These three find themselves in trouble when they (with all of Babylon) are ordered to bow down and worship a huge golden statue.
Questions to Consider
– What are the golden statues around us in our world?
– What do we do in the face of unethical orders and expectations?
– What is the significance of this story being about Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego rather than Daniel?
