Are You Somebody’s “Lucky Penny?”
“Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you…”
Rom. 16:19a
When a well-known NFL coach was asked why he always had a pastor on the sideline during a game, he explained, “I’m not even sure if I believe in God, but in case there is one, I want Him on my side.” In a similar way, King Nebuchadnezzar seemed to utilize Daniel, the prophet, as a spiritual rabbit’s foot or lucky penny. But Daniel had a tremendous testimony to his friends, his family, and his king. He demonstrated time and time again how people who have great faith manifest great character. Nebuchadnezzar learned to admire and respect Daniel’s character because of his faithfulness and his obedience to “his God.”
While Nebuchadnezzar believed in many gods, he didn’t believe that the God of the Hebrews was the only true God. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace, Nebuchadnezzar observed the God of Abraham and Issac display His love and compassion for His faithful servants. The reluctant king saw that the God of the Hebrews was indeed the one true God. “Then Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.’ Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.” Daniel 3:28-30.
Eventually, Nebuchadnezzar blessed the God of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel and decreed that anyone speaking an offense against their God would be destroyed. God was and continues to be honored when we are faithful.
God will often change the hearts of folks in authority to glorify Himself and bless His beloved and faithful servants. Let’s look for opportunities to honor God with our faithfulness and obedience. You just never know who might be watching!
The Power of Truth:
- “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matt. 25:21
- “Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.” Rom. 1:5
- “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” 2 Cor. 9:13
Suggestion for Prayer:
Are you a faithful servant? Thank God for His faithfulness and grace, despite your own failures. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and convict you, so that you might confess your disobedience and doubt. Ask God to strengthen you and continue to grow you in your faithfulness.