Daniel 3:1-30
Wednesday, 27 October 2021
“…..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
Having to make a choice to either follow God or one’s own thoughts, desires and plans- is something man faced right from the Garden of Eden. It’s either God’s way or Man’s way! In today’s Scripture we are introduced to three young men who decide to go all the way for God even if it meant paying with their lives –a challenge to the Christian community who choose to follow Christ. So, what can we learn from them in our Christian walk, in a world opposed to our faith in Jesus?
They honoured God and His Word in their hearts more than life
This wasn’t the first time they had to take a stand for God. As young boys brought as slaves to a foreign land they were forced to embrace a culture and faith contrary to what they believed (Dan. 1:11-19). Though they were young and under pressure to compromise, they chose to fear God and His word, over man’s word. Paul in 1Tim. 4:12 exhorts Timothy “And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.”
No matter how old you are, the call is the same. If we claim to be people of God, our every decision should honour God no matter the cost.
They knew THEIR HEAVENLY KING who appointed earthly kings
Do we know This King? – We read in Acts 5, how the apostles were persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ and warned from speaking in HIS name. Acts 5:29 records Peter’s response: “We must obey God rather than Human beings.” Very often we tend to fear man more than God, not realizing the eternal consequences for denying God. These men never bowed down to the golden image because they knew the One they bowed down to-‘The Creator God – ELOHIM – The Most High’- who holds everything in His hands. They could not replace Him with an image. Jesus has warned us of the persecutions that are coming and cautions us “to fear Him who has the authority to send us to an eternal death over the earthly men who destroy our bodies.” (Matt.10:28) In history, we find many who laid down their lives for Christ, who chose an eternity with God rather than a few more years on earth. They knew whom they had believed in!
Some might have to face persecutions; others will have to defend their faith in very hostile environments- places of work or study. But if you know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, God will give you the courage to stand for Him at such times. In Matt 10:19-20, Jesus tells us not to worry what and how to speak when we are questioned about our faith, but to rely on the Holy Spirit who will be speaking through us. Whatever the situation, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”(Eph.6:10). He is there to give you strength and courage to stand. God honoured the 3 men and He will honour your courage too.
It might not be easy, but God is with you. He will help you to speak up or refuse to be involved in wrong activities or lay down your life when it is asked of you, and when you take such a stand it would impact those watching you. Some would want to know more about This God whom you worship or some like Nebuchadnezzar will declare “there is no other God who can deliver like this” (V. 29) It’s up to you: Will you hide and compromise on your faith in Christ or will you stand for Him always? Quote for the Day: “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand; the spines of others are often stiffened.” - Billy Graham
Listen: ‘Stand up stand up for Jesus’