TheMoptimist

Bible in 365: Day 256

09/20/2012 at 5:00 am 2 comments

Late 3rd century/early 4th century Christians depicted the fiery furnace in the Catacombs of Priscilla, Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Daniel 1-3

Resolve to do what is right:

There is perhaps no better example in the Old Testament of someone choosing to do the right thing, even in the face of death, than Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to bow down to the gold image set up by Nebuchadnezzar.  These three men knew that their disobedience to human law would result in punishment that leads to death (being thrown into a furnace), but they had resolved in their hearts to follow God’s law above human law.

They were trusting in God to save them from this trial, but at the same time, they also knew that God may not save them, and that was fine with them too.  “If the God we serve is able to deliver us, then he will deliver us from the blazing furnace and from Your Majesty’s hand.  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.” (Daniel 3:17-18 emphasis mine)

Of course, you know the story, they get thrown into the fiery furnace, but God saves them and they come out completely unharmed.  The whole thing brings glory to God and the king decrees that no one every say anything against God.

In our own lives, are we resolved to do what God has told us to do, or do we feel ourselves bend to the pressures of the world?  Of course, most of the time societal laws line up perfectly with God’s law, but there may be times when it does not.  Let us remember that it is only God’s mandates that matter, and let us resolve in our hearts to choose to follow God’s rules above any other at all cost.

Here is a great Shane and Shane song about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s faith put into action.  Enjoy!

Entry filed under: Bible in 365. Tags: Book of Daniel, Daniel, Faith in action, fiery furnace, God, Meshach, Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach Meshach and Abednego.