Hebrews 10:24 - Choose: Fire or Lions

Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah refused to worship a gold idol made in Nebuchadnezzar's image, so the king threw them in a large furnace. Daniel had been their leader and spokesman early on, and undoubtedly inspired his three friends to "do the right thing" even under threat of death. They were miraculously rescued, but Daniel wasn't even with them during this ordeal! Perhaps it was because their enemies were intent to turn in the three friends and Daniel wasn't even on their tattle list. Not yet, at least.

Years later, Darius was crowned king of Babylon. Even under the new ruler, Daniel continued to be a favorite advisor. This stoked a smoldering jealousy among other officials who hatched a plot. They persuaded Darius to make a decree:  if anyone prayed to any man or deity other than Darius himself, they would be fed to hungry lions.

Daniel stuck to his routine. He prayed to God from his open window, looking toward the temple back in his homeland. That's all it took for Daniel to be thrown to the lions. He spent a night in the lion's den, undisturbed. My favorite etching of that scene is Daniel sleeping against a lion, using it for a pillow.

Who inspired who the most? Did Daniel embolden his friends to face fire rather than idolatry, or did they encourage him to pray to God rather than a man? It probably went both ways.

We are reminded to "imitate the faith" of those who've left us a spiritual heritage, "those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance." (Hebrews 6:12, New Living Translation, 2015). We're also told to, "Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith." Hebrews 13:7 (NLT)

We don't have to be inspired by someone long dead, or a well-known religious leader. Each of us can inspire the best in others, and they can do the same for us.

Father in heaven, "As iron sharpens iron," help us to sharpen each other. (Proverbs 27:17, NLT) Give us creative "ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24, NLT) In Jesus name, Amen.