Recently, I saw an excellent production of Daniel. Elaborate costumes, live music, and even live animals walked down the aisles onto the stage. I empathized with the pressure Daniel and his companions Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego felt living in a foreign land filled with ungodly practices. From the moment they arrived, they were faced with decisions requiring firm conviction. Their food choices reflected their values in managing their bodies and their dedication to God. Would I be that strong in a challenging situation?
But the trial of living away from home grew more intense than choosing food for their meals. After King Nebuchadnezzar, a proud and godless man, built a gold image representing himself, hate-filled enemies sent news to the king stating the men’s refusal to bow down. “What God will rescue you from the punishment of fire?” said the king.
Once again, they publically denounced the king but instead honored the one true God, saying:
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace,
the God we serve can save us from it,
and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.
But even if he does not, we want you to know O king,
that we will not serve your gods
or worship the image of gold you have set up.
As a result, the men were seized, bound, and thrown into the fiery furnace. The licking flames consumed the men that took them up. The king’s behavior changed from fury to amazement when he saw four men walking in the fire unbound and unharmed. The fourth looked like a son of the gods. We know this fourth person as Jesus. Immanuel. God is with us. Amid fear, where death abounds, God is with us.
What do I resort to when I’m afraid, and my world is watching? In other words, when my people and my tribe around me are watching, how do I think? What decisions do I make that help me put God first?
In our me-first world, I may not have to choose between a life and death situation, but I may feel pressured (sometimes this feels like dying) between choosing to honor God or just going along with those at work, my social group, friends, or family. Perhaps my reputation or the closeness of a relationship is at stake.
As the men faced fear and persecution, they decided to put God first. God didn’t take away the pain, but He showed up for them. Scripture tells us not even a hair on their heads smelled, nor their clothes were scorched.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
~Isaiah 43:2
What fires are in your world today?
Prayer: Jesus, give me strength and courage to put You first in whatever comes my way today. I need the reminder of Your gentle presence. Knowing You alone will protect and provide for me amid my enemies, grant me peace. Amen.
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