God’s story in god’s people

Jesus grew up in a little town called Nazareth, a small agricultural village of about four hundred people—so insignificant that no written records of it exist prior to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.[1] Located in Galilee, the northern region of Israel, Nazareth was home to those often regarded as culturally backward, little more than country bumpkins. So when Nathanael asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46), he gave voice to what many were likely thinking. 

As we conclude our study of the Old Testament, several major developments from the intertestamental period stand out as crucial in preparing the way for the coming of Jesus.

As we’ve studied various kings of the Old Testament, we’ve read about men greatly used by God. Yet too often, pride dragged them down near the end of their lives. One person commented that studying the kings “is confirming that we humans are a real mess!” It’s true, isn’t it? We have seasons of faithfully following God and then some very messy stretches. Thank God for his grace!

To help us understand the Bible, we’ve identified four key threads that run throughout Scripture: “Who is God?” “Who is man?” “How can I know God?” and “How can I live for God?” As we now conclude our study of the Old Testament, let’s return to these four threads, giving particular attention to the first, “Who is God?”

Last time we caught an intimate glimpse into Nehemiah’s soul. When he heard the firsthand report that Jerusalem was without protective walls, he wept and mourned, then fasted and prayed “before the God of heaven” (Neh. 1:4–11). Now it was time for him to take appropriate action.

There is a dearth of genuine leadership today, especially within the Christian community. I recently spoke with a Christian leadership consultant who noted that, in his experience, social media is enticing many church leaders to chase influence rather than faithfully pastoring. For some, it appears to be more about “loves, likes, and shares” than about truly shepherding the flock.

I often use this verse from Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.” It is one of many passages that confirm God’s sovereignty over even the world’s most powerful rulers. Scripture makes clear that no one can thwart his divine plan (Job 42:2; Isa. 14:27).

From the fiery furnace of Daniel 3, fast-forward sixty-six years. By the time we arrive at Daniel 6, the Persian Empire has conquered Babylon, and a sixty-two-year-old man named Darius is in charge. As often happens during a regime change, he reorganized the kingdom’s administrative structure.

Today, we will meet three young men who faced a defining decision—one they would never forget. Let’s consider what lessons we can learn from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their bold and courageous choice— and what followed— is recorded in the book of Daniel.