Daniel 3-4 | Standing in the Fire

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18)

Every follower of Jesus encounters moments of decision about their faith. To respond as these three Hebrew men did in face of torture and death is the highest privilege. This is a martyr's posture: to be willing to stand for Christ regardless of the consequences. Such men (or women) are our great heroes of the faith.

OUR FIRE

Most of us will never face such a life and death decision for our faith. But the reality is, we face a similar choice every day. These three men had to make a choice: would they bow to a false god, or face death? They chose to not bend the knee, regardless of the circumstances or outcome. The beauty of their response is their lack of hesitation ... the immediacy of their reply. This was a question that was settled long before.

We are being challenged every day to bow to the gods of this world. To serve them and let them rule over our lives. The gods of power, pleasure, materialism call to us constantly. Most of us don’t recognize them rightly and give in to them quickly.

Wise is the man or woman, the boy or girl who has already decided. When the test comes, they are ready with firm resolve.

Father, give us this kind of commitment and courage … this kind of devotion to you that we will never bow or surrender to the call to worship or serve anything less than You. In light of what You have done for us, may we resolve NOW to be faithful in whatever temptation may come.