Daniel 3-4

September 20

Daniel 3-4

 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to compromise their faith in God by bowing down to the image of gold made by the king. The king threatened to throw them into the furnace if they did not bow down, but they refused. They replied to the king; "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to 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.”" (Daniel 3:17-18, NIV)

They knew God could save them, they just did not know if He would. But even if God did not save them, they refused to worship another god or an image of gold. Many martyrs have died in the name of Jesus. We can wonder why God does not deliver them in front of their persecutors. But those who die, by faith, know that even if they die, their persecutors cannot take their soul. Jesus said; "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28, NIV)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the furnace, but God stepped in and protected them from the flames. God did not protect them for their sake, but to reveal to the king and the people of Babylon that He was Almighty God and all the other images and gods were powerless in His presence. God can do more than we can even imagine. Are we willing to step out in faith and to stand up for what we believe even if it could result in persecution? Do we really trust God that much?