4 Lessons from the Fiery Furnace in the Book of Daniel
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Daniel is an iconic character from the Old Testament. We know he was a young Jewish man of faith and wisdom who was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar. In Babylon, Daniel was trained to serve in the King’s court, but he stuck to his convictions and faith. The book from the Bible named after Daniel records a time when the Jews endured persecution, but God intervened in many miraculous ways.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew that God could! They made sure to tell Nebuchadnezzar that their God, the one true God, was able to deliver them while being harshly questioned. There was no hint of doubt in their words. Do you believe that you serve a God that is able? If he is worthy of our worship, he must be able to do more than we could ever think, ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
They remembered that God had delivered the Israelites out of Egypt, brought Joshua and Caleb into the Promised Land, built up David a man after his own heart, was faithful to Ruth a woman that was destitute and forgotten by others, set apart Samuel to become a priest that loved God, and on the stories go. They knew their God that the Scriptures speak of is alive and active in the world. He cares about injustice and is close to his people when they are in need. This surety is conveyed by their words of conviction and faith.
This is the same God we serve! He is still setting the captives free, healing his people, interceding on behalf of the least of these, and cares deeply about our lives. When life's trials come, remember we can “trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding because he will make our paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
These three men knew who their God was! There was no confusion about the nature of this idol that was raised up by the King. They could clearly see that evil was at work and stayed loyal to God. We need to be able to discern what is from God and what is of the world, and commit our hearts to worshiping God alone.
How many idols are being raised up in our culture that wants to distract us from worshiping our one true God? How many of us have let safety, politics, wealth, entertainment, inclusion, or any other man-created-idea distract you from your allegiance to the Father? These Jewish men were filled with wisdom and understood that this gold figure was being raised up in place of God. They did not waiver and were sure to express that nothing else in this world was worthy of worship.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not alone in this grueling ordeal. They stood in front of the King as a group of friends that shared a strong conviction. They each remained faithful to the Lord together while being bound and thrown to their deaths. We need other like-minded friends to walk with us when we face trials of many kinds. When our faith waivers, we need friends who can stand in the gap for us.
These are people that are so committed to God that not even death will stop them from their worship. How many people do you know that are willing to die for you and Jesus? These are the kinds of Christians we want to – and maybe one day need to – become. We enjoy many freedoms in the USA, but Christianity is a faith that often faces persecution. When our world changes, it's not a crisis, it’s an opportunity to stand together for Jesus. Build your tribe wisely.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego lived during a turbulent time but still were able to worship God alone. Our ability to love our God with our hearts, minds, souls, and strength is not dependent on circumstances. It has everything to do with how committed we are to our Jesus. Let’s prepare to have a faith like we see in the book of Daniel so we are ready when our furnace moments come.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Adam Wilson
