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Lesson:

God can rescue in mighty and surprising ways.

Extras

• Character Profiles

  • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

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    Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

    

    Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were three Hebrew men who trusted God and refused to bow down to worship a gold statue. They stood up boldly before King Nebuchadnezzar even when they faced sure death from the blazing furnace. God supernaturally protected the men and they were unharmed by the fire- they didn't even smell of smoke! The king was impressed and amazed by what had happened, and promoted the three men to even higher positions in Babylon!

    • Bible References

      • Daniel 3:18
      • Daniel 1:7
      • Daniel 1:4-5
      • Daniel 1:8-14
      • Daniel 1:16
      • Daniel 1:19-20
      • Daniel 2:48-49
      • Daniel 3:1-25
      • Daniel 3:26
      • Daniel 3:28
      • Daniel 3:30

  • King Nebuchadnezzar

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    King Nebuchadnezzar

    

    King Nebuchadnezzar II required all the people to bow down and worship his gold statue. When the three Hebrew men refused, the king flew into rage. He had them tied up and thrown into roaring flames. The king inched closer to the furnace. He noticed four men walking around in the fire, unharmed! This caused him to release the Hebrew men and even praise the "Most High" God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

    • Bible References

      • Daniel 3:25
      • Daniel 1:1-2
      • Jeremiah 25:9
      • Jeremiah 39:11-14
      • Daniel 3:24-26
      • Daniel 3:27-30
      • Daniel 4:1-33
      • Daniel 4:34-37
      • Daniel 4:27
      • 1 Timothy 2:3-4
      • 2 Peter 3:9
      • Romans 1:16

  • Jonah

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    Jonah

    

    Jonah was a prophet on the run. Instead of obeying God, he wanted to do his own thing. After an incredible experience with a great fish, he obeyed God but became very unhappy when God showed mercy to the Ninevites.

    • Bible References

      • Jonah 2:1
      • Jonah 1:17
      • Jonah 3:5-10
      • Jonah 4:1-3

  • Daniel

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    Daniel

    

    As a Jewish captive in the land of Babylon, Daniel continued to obey God and hold on to his convictions from God’s word. Daniel’s bold actions showed his dedication and commitment, doing what was right regardless of the consequences. Learn more about Daniel and God's hand of protection on his life here.

    • Bible References

      • Daniel 6:4
      • Daniel 1
      • Daniel 2:4
      • Daniel 5
      • Daniel 7

  • King Darius

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    King Darius

    

    King Darius ruled over Babylon, and he thought very highly of Daniel (Daniel 6). However, it appears that he thought very highly of himself, as well, because he agreed to a law that commanded everyone in the Empire to pray to him or be thrown into a den of lions. Click here to find out if Daniel followed this edict.

    • Bible References

      • Daniel 6:26-27
      • Daniel 6

  • The Advisers to King Darius

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    The Advisers to King Darius

    

    Talk about some petulant people! Some of the advisers to King Darius were so mean (and insecure) that they conspired a plan to get King Darius to sign a decree that would allow them to throw Daniel into a den full of lions. But they ended up meeting this fate instead of Daniel. Click here to see if there scheme succeeded.

    • Bible References

      • Daniel 6:8
      • Daniel 6:1-9

  • The Lions' Den

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    The Lions' Den

    

    The Lions’ den is exactly what it sounds like: a pit full of lions. In the time of Daniel, this was the place to which prisoners were taken to their death. Daniel was throw into a lions' den, but click here to find out who ended up becoming "catnip."

    • Bible References

      • Daniel 6:16
      • Daniel 6:12
      • Daniel 6:17
      • Daniel 6:23

• Adventure Guide

  • 

    Gizmo's Bible Adventures - Your New Journey with God

  • 

    Rescued! - Family Discussion Guide

• Videos

  Mateo Encounters Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego

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    Mateo Encounters Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego

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    Mateo Encounters Jonah and the Great Fish

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    Mateo Encounters Daniel and the Lion’s Den

  • 

    Rescued! - The Salvation Poem

• Q & A

  • Is God still able and willing to rescue people from difficulties?

    The king was furious with the three Hebrew men. He declared that there was no god that could rescue them from his power and the blazing hot furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego boldly replied that God would rescue them. But, if He chose not to, they would never serve the king’s gods or worship the gold statue. (Daniel 3:15-18). That is confidence and boldness!
    
    God did miraculously rescue them from the furnace. Not only did He rescue them, they were completely untouched and unharmed by the flames. Not a hair on their heads was singed and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell like smoke! This is the same fire that was so hot that it killed the guards who threw them into the furnace. These men only stood near the flames and died! (Daniel 3:22-27)
    
    The king then praised God saying in Daniel 3:28-29: "Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent His angel to rescue His servants who trusted in Him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!”
    
    When Daniel was miraculously saved by God in the lion’s den, the king said, “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and He will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His rule will never end. He rescues and saves His people; He performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” (Daniel 6:26-27). Even powerful kings who did not serve God recognized and praised His ability to rescue in amazing ways!
    
    When Jonah was thrown from the ship God rescued him in a miraculous way. He arranged for a great fish to swallow him and save him from drowning in the sea. Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights. (Jonah 3:15-17). After Jonah prayed inside the fish, the Lord ordered the fish to spit Jonah onto dry land. (Jonah 2:1,10). God’s power and resources are limitless. Even a great fish and hungry lions obey God’s command!
    
    It is exciting to read the stories in the Old and New Testament about the dramatic, supernatural rescues that God performed over and over again to accomplish His plan and to protect His people. But, does God still rescue people today? The true answer is found in the Bible; God doesn’t change; He is the same today as He was yesterday, and forever. God has not lost His ability, power or desire to rescue; He is forever the Almighty God! (James 1:17; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).
    
    In fact, God still performs the greatest rescue the world has ever experienced… every single day! Colossians 1:13 says: “For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son.” Jesus does what only He can do; He rescues us from sin and death. Every day people are forgiven, set free and receive eternal life through Jesus Christ!
    
    Yes, without a doubt, God still rescues today—we have His promise. “The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name.” (Psalm 91:14).
    
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • Hebrews 13:8

  • When people turn from God, will He pursue them?

    God sent Jonah to declare His judgement to Nineveh. Instead of going to Nineveh, Jonah went the opposite direction and tried to run from God. God sent a great wind on the sea that threatened to destroy and sink the ship Jonah had fled on. God then sent a great fish to swallow Jonah to save him from drowning. God knew exactly where Jonah was the entire time he tried to escape God’s call and presence. (Jonah 1:1-17). Instead of abandoning those who turn from Him, God pursues them. And, in Jonah’s case and others, God grants another opportunity to obey Him.
    
    Psalm 23:6 says: Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever." David said that God's goodness and mercy pursue us for as long as we live. Isn't that awesome?
    
    After Peter and the other disciples abandoned Jesus as He was arrested and crucified, they decided to go back to what they knew—fishing. Jesus did not abandon them; He pursued them. Jesus appeared on the shore and called out to them. He made a meal and ate with them when they returned to the shore. He restored Peter and gave him a second chance. (John 21:1-17). He pursued with His unfailing love and mercy, not judgement and punishment!
    
    In Jeremiah 23:24, God said: “Can anyone hide from Me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?”
    David wrote in Psalm 139:5: “O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head.”
    
    Does this sound like someone you can hide or run from? We find the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and pursuit in Romans 5:8: “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” The world as a whole was not running toward God, they were actively sinning. God could have destroyed the world and started over. Instead, He sent His only Son to die and save the world from sin.
    
    Revelation 3:20 says: “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” God pursues us even now; He is always present, drawing us back when we stray and into an even deeper relationship as we serve Him.
    
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • Jeremiah 23:24

  • If I pray to God, can I trust that He will hear my prayer and answer?

    Does God hear our prayers; and if He does, can I trust that He will answer? There are countless examples in the Bible of God hearing and answering those who serve Him. Whether it be for help, protection, provision, favor, comfort, healing, direction, wisdom, or absolutely anything else—God hears and will answer.
    
    What we must remember is that God’s answer or the timing of His answer may not be what we expect. Nevertheless, He always hears and answers according to His will and purpose. 1 John 5:14 says: “And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for." The key is to pray according to His will and purpose! When we want what He wants, it is as good as done!
    
    It doesn’t matter where we are or what we are doing; there is nothing or no one that can keep our prayers from reaching God. Jonah prayed inside of a great fish after running from God. Jonah 2:1-2 says: “Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. He said, “I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and He answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, You heard me!” Chances are we will never need to pray inside a fish; however, if we do—God would hear and answer!
    
    Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God in a jail cell; God heard and answered! (Acts 16:25-26). Peter was thrown into prison, chained between two Roman soldiers. The church earnestly prayed for Him; God heard and sent His angel to rescue Peter. (Acts 12:6-9).
    
    In the book of Genesis, Abraham sent his most trusted servant, Eliezer, on a mission to find a God--chosen wife for Isaac. Eliezer prayed while standing next to a well. He asked for God’s wisdom and leading to grant him success on his master's mission. Eliezer testified that before he had even finished his prayer, God answered! (Genesis 24:42-48).
    
    Daniel prayed three times a day, kneeling at an open window and asking God for His help and continually giving Him thanks. (Daniel 6:10-11). Another time he was desperate for God's help. He prayed for God to miraculously show him the king’s secret dream or he and the king's wise men would be executed. God heard and supernaturally revealed the dream and interpretation as Daniel had asked. (Daniel 2:16-23).
    
    Jesus constantly found a place to spend time with God. (Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Matthew 14:23; Luke 22:41-44). Jesus prayed at the tomb of Lazarus before He raised him from the dead in John 11:40-44. “Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank You for hearing Me. You always hear Me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe You sent Me.” John 11:41-42). Jesus had no doubt that God always heard and answered His prayers. but, He wanted the people listening to know as well.
    
    The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Paul knew from experience that God hears and answers. He experienced God’s peace no matter the situation; in good times and bad.
    
    God said in Isaiah 65:24: “I will answer them before they even call to Me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!”
    God wants us to pray at all times. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says: “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
    
    Why should we always pray? Because God always hears and answers!
    
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • 1 Thessalonians 5:17

  • As a Christian, is it necessary to trust and follow God in both good and bad times?

    Have you heard someone being labeled a “fair--weather friend”? A fair--weather friend is someone who can't be trusted to “have your back” or support you in difficult times. This type of friend sticks close as long as things are “sunny” or going smoothly but are likely to disappear when things turn “stormy” or difficult. This can be applied to our walk with Christ. Are we a fair--weather follower? Are we likely to “bale” or walk away when we face opposition, adversity, or our faith is challenged? What do we do in stormy times when things aren't going smoothly? What happens when we feel pressure to disobey God’s Word? Yes, it is much easier to follow Christ when it’s “sunny” out and things are going as desired and planned. It’s also easier to stand for Christ when surrounded by like--minded followers of Jesus. But, what happens when we aren't?
    
    Daniel stayed consistent and steadfast in His faith. He always prayed three times a day in his room—even while he was in captivity in Babylon and surrounded by idol worshipers! Daniel faced opposition from the king’s officials who were jealous of Daniel’s success and the king’s favor. They tricked the king into signing a law that would force him to arrest and punish Daniel if he continued to worship and serve God. (Daniel 6:1-9).
    
    Let’s see what Daniel did. Daniel 6:10-11 says, “But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help.”
    
    Daniel was not a fair--weather follower! He served God when times were good and when the “storm” came, Daniel didn't change. He refused to waver in his faith and commitment to God. Daniel remained consistent; he was the same before and after the law was signed.
    
    It is essential that we remain steadfast in God in both good and bad times. The Bible says that Daniel opened the window and prayed and gave thanks to God just as he always did. Are we the same at all times like Daniel? Will we worship God and give Him thanks even when we encounter tough times? Can we be open with our faith regardless of who hears or sees us?
    
    1 Thessalonians 5:13 says: “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” God never changes and neither should we! 2 Timothy 2:13 says, “If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.” God is faithful; even when we aren't! What we do or don't do has no affect on His character. We can trust in Him in all situations.
    
    If we do waver, we need to pray as David did after he fell to temptation and sinned. In Psalm 51:10 Ha cried out to God saying: “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” In other Bible versions of this verse, the word “steadfast” is used. God help us to be steadfast and loyal to You even when we fail, even when we face adversity, opposition and trials! Create a steadfast and loyal heart that will not waver!
    
    In a difficult time, David said in Psalm 57:7: “My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!” Let us strive to remain confident and not waver in our faith as we continue to sing His praises in all situations; good and bad!
    
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • 1 Thessalonians 5:13

  • Do you think I can really influence others by the way I live my life for Christ?

    Have you wondered if our lives can really influence and affect others for Christ? Do our choices and attitude matter? The answer is yes, people observe how we carry or conduct ourselves in different situations.
    The three Hebrew men honored the king and served him faithfully until it meant disobeying God. At that point, they drew a line and refused to worship or serve the king’s idols. They were devoted to God even if it meant dying for Him. (Daniel 3:16-18).
    In the end, God showed up in a big way and rescued the men from sure death in the blazing furnace. Because of this, the king was greatly influenced. Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent His angel to rescue His servants who trusted in Him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.” (Daniel 3:28-30). The king was positively affected by the Hebrew men’s lives!
    
    It is no different today; people observe us and listen to our words. The king’s officials closely watched Daniel, looking for anything they could use against him. you could say that Daniel was under a microscope. “Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.” (Daniel 6:4-5). The officials found no fault with Danie; what a testimony to Daniel in his service to God!
    
    The king was well aware of Daniel’s devotion to God. When he rushed to the lion’s den to see if Daniel was alive he shouted, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20). Upon seeing Daniel had been rescued by God, the king said, “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and He will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His rule will never end. He rescues and saves His people; He performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” (Daniel 6:26-27). Daniel's life made a tremendous impression upon the king!
    
    The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” As we live according to Christ’s example, others will observe our lives and can be attracted to God’s Kingdom.
    Jesus said in Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Our goal is to lead others to Christ and demonstrate God’s love and mercy. In our actions and words, we send a powerful message to those around us as we live accurately and consistently according to God’s Word no matter the situation. In doing so, we bring praise to God!
    
    The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2:14-15: “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” As followers of Christ, we are tasked with living in such a way that we continually shine Jesus’ light and point the way to Him. Jesus said that we are the light of the world and to let our lights shine before others! (Matthew 5:14-16).
    
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • Matthew 5:16