READ: Daniel 3,4; Psalms 148; 1 Peter 4
SCRIPTURE: Daniel 3: 16
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not
need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.
17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to
deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand.
18 But even if he does not, we want you to know,
Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you
have set up.”
OBSERVATION: In Tamilnadu, a South
Indian state, people who worship some goddesses conduct firewalking ceremonies every
year. Devotees think that their gods help them to walk on the hot coals without
any hurt. Although people believe firewalking gives a feeling of victory over
fear and fire, confidence about their faith and themselves, scientists say that
anyone can participate in firewalking because the embers have low thermal
conductivity. You may have noticed that people run or take brisk walks during
the firewalking.
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego is an exciting and inspiring one that encourages us to worship only
God and boldly stand against any trials. Here, because of the king’s anger, it
was commanded that the fiery furnace should be seven times hotter than usual.
Even the strongest soldiers could not endure the blazing fire of the furnace; they
all died when they brought the three young men to throw in the fire. But these
three men were “walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed.” The king was
amazed and surprised by seeing the fourth man who walked with the three men. They
were tied up before they were thrown into the blazing furnace. It seems only
the cords that bound them were removed in the furnace. They were walking inside
the burning furnace, yet the fire did not harm their body and even their
dresses. We may ask, how is it possible! They walked with God. The king had to
call them to come out of the fire.
Their story starts from their decision
of not defiling themselves with the royal food. Here, in front of the king,
they expressed their faith and devotion to God. They were not afraid of King
Nebuchadnezzar but feared God and were devoted to following God’s law. They
believed, “GOD IS ABLE” to deliver them. When they said, “But even if he does
not, we want you to know,” they expressed their determination to serve God
instead of bowing before the statue of the god of the king. Apostle Paul says, “In
fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted” (2 Tim.3:12, Phil.1:29). Jesus never promised that his followers
would have a problem-free life. He has taught us “rejoice and be glad” by
saying, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say
all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Mt.5:11-12). Apostles rejoiced in
their suffering and taught the church to be happy when facing any persecution
for the sake of Christ (Acts 5:40,41; Rom.5:3; 1 Pet.4:12-14). Some
translations say that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego praised God with songs while walking
around in the fire. The God who promised, “when you walk through the fire, you
will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isa 43:1, 2), was
walking with these three men. Then, the fiery furnace became a place of
worship. We can see God walking with us when we walk by faith.
APPLICATION: God commanded, “You
shall have no other gods before[besides] me” (Exo.20:3). When the devil tempts
to worship other than God, I must stand against him and say as Jesus said,
“Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve
him only” (Mt.4:10; Deut.6:13-15). My love, my worship, my life, and my all are
for God alone; nothing else matters to me. By faith, I am walking with God. God
gives me the strength to walk in his ways. He is able!
PRAYER: Father God, thank
you for reminding me to be faithful to you and your words. Jesus, give me your
power to resist the devil. Holy Spirit, give me your wisdom and power to speak
your words and stand for Christ when my faith is tested. Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day – 331
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