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Daniel 3:8-13 At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You have issued a decree, O king, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon-Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah – parentheses mine) – who pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”
DO you think Babylon’s officials accused God’s three faithful servants to honor the king or to elevate their own position? Remember that after Daniel interpreted the king’s dream, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon. The king’s consultants had become second to the Hebrew captives. Here is the perfect opportunity for evil to oppose and even destroy God’s faithful men. Centuries later, the historian Luke records a pivotal moment in the apostle Paul’s ministry in Corinth. Amid some mission success Paul also experienced much opposition form the Jews and Greeks. The city was a crossroads for many pagan cultures – similar to Babylon’s multiple cultures. That’s when our Loving God encouraged Paul: Acts 18:9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” 11 So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. Did Paul listen to and trust his Lord and Savior? Indeed he did. That is why years later, near the end of his life, Paul could write, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Do you see what God does? When the enemy attacks, he battles back with people prepared for battle. Paul’s faith empowered him to stand fearlessly before the enemy. The church grew. In the same way, threatened with man’s violence, Azariah, Hananiah and Mishael were ready to stand for God, and the Lord’s power would triumph. Even more, the Son of God has declared the Triune God’s final war against Satan. He has died on sin’s cross, so his resurrection would defeat evil. His living power is unstoppable. Whenever and wherever the enemy opposes you, have faith. Fight the good fight with God. 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Comments are closed.
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AuthorBob James Archives
January 2025
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