Chapter 3 of the book of Daniel is so encouraging to me. When ordered to bow to the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar set up, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused. They knew how offensive this act would be to their God, the true God. Because they refused, they were sentanced to be thrown into the fiery furnace-- a sure death. Before this sentance was carried out they were offered one more chance to bow. They remained unmoved and spoke with boldness to the king:
"O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
They knew that their God would deliver them from Nebuchadnezzar's hand, but this deliverance could have been manifested in one of two ways. One, to take them out of the fiery furnace unharmed, or two, to bring them into glory for eternity. In the Lord's providence he rescued them from the fire and astonished Nebuchadnezzar!
The faith of these servants was great. They trusted that the Lord was not witholding any good thing from them even though they knew that their death was a definite possibility. It makes me wonder how I would have reacted in their situation, or how I will react if I encounter a situation like this. Will I be bold in proclaiming that whether I live or die, God is still the Most High God?
Monday, May 5, 2008
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