Peter said that a lot of memorable slogans come in packages of 3 words (e.g. Nike's "Just Do It"). This text from Daniel gives us a powerful 3 word combo that can shape our discipleship "but if not."
This was the most powerful proclamation I remember from my own reading of the passage. It is the expression of unwavering commitment to Yahweh. "He has the power to deliver us - but even if he doesn't we will not betray him. I give him utter control of my life."
Other famous "but if nots" in scripture
Abraham - when asked to sacrifice Isaac
Jesus - in the Garden of Gethsemane
This also reminds me of how Haskell used to say that "but" was his favorite word in the Bible and that he always wanted to write a sermon called "Famous Buts in the Bible."
