“If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
(Daniel 3:17-18 NKJV)
Standing on God’s Word isn’t socially acceptable today. It may cause rifts in families. You won’t win any popularity contests either. But like Daniel and his friends, we aren’t concerned with people pleasing.
In the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar made a tremendous image of gold. At the dedication of the image all his governing officials were commanded to bow down and worship the image. Everyone complied with the king’s orders except for three Hebrew young men. They stood for God when everyone else bowed down to the king.
Certain Chaldeans rushed to inform the king about the Jews who refused to worship him. The enraged king questioned the three Hebrews, giving them a second chance to worship his image. All the while he was threatening to throw them into the midst of a burning furnace. Saying, “And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” (Daniel 3:15b NKJV)
Shadrach refused to jeopardize the one true God. Meshach didn’t compromise, and Abed-nego wouldn’t yield.
What God calls acceptable is unacceptable to the world.
As Christian soldiers marching through a fallen world, we will face ridicule and scorn. Haters will hate. Half-hearted Christians will wag their tongues, and we may face persecution unlike we have ever known in America. Like the three Hebrews, we must never bow down, sometimes we might face the fiery furnace.
Look at their reply to King Nebby in our focal verses. Sometimes God delivers us from the fire, but sometimes God delivers us through the fire. Either way, He walks by our side.
Once in the flames, our Hebrew friends were joined by the Son of God. That sight blew the king’s mind. He ordered his men to release the men from the blazing inferno, and they walked out unharmed. Not a hair singed. Not a hint of smoke on them.
Friend, when we stand for truth, we might have to stand alone. God is able to deliver us, but God is also sovereign. If we have to walk through the flames, God has a reason for it. Ultimately, it will bring Him glory, Isn’t that what it’s all about?
Today, I want to encourage you. The church in America might face inescapable persecution, unless we bow down. Unless we compromise. But friend, we will make it because Jesus made a way for us. Just like He made a way for the three Hebrew men. Life here on earth won’t always be what we want, but eternal life awaits us with glories so wondrous that they make all the suffering worthwhile. Be assured, you may feel alone in this fight, but you’re not alone. I stand with you. We are few in number, but mighty in power.
Lord, encourage weary souls like mine today. We are unashamed of the gospel and boldly proclaim it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
Has God brought you through something that years later gave you tough skin? God works providentially in our lives weaving all events together for His purposes. Trust in Him.
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Originally posted on November 13, 2020 @ 3:07 am