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Daniel 3:28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.
HOW would you summarize the lives of Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael) and Abednego (Azariah)? How about the pagan king’s words: “They trusted in God and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” Think of it! A man who pridefully worships himself and idols honors men who fully live for God. The three men have faithfully lived into the meanings of their Hebrew, God-given names. Indeed, the One True God has protected and helped them to walk unscathed from the consuming fire to glorify God. Now think of this. What would have happened if they had denied their faith? What if they had quietly said to each other, “I believe in God, but I don’t want to risk my life. I don’t want offend the king. I’ll just go along.” In short, nothing would have happened. They would not have openly confessed their complete trust in God for life now and forever: Daniel 3:17 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. The king and his officials would not have witnessed the LORD God’s authority over death. There would have been no appearance of the “angel” –likely the preincarnate Jesus. Remaining quiet would have silenced praise to the LORD. In short, unbelief – evil – would have triumphed without a whisper from God’s chosen servants. Nothing good happens when you do nothing with your faith. Compromise with the world keeps you from God’s promises for life now and forevermore. Being willing to die for Jesus is the only way to fully live. Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” 22 Then you will defile your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, “Away with you!” Comments are closed.
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January 2025
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