Choose God over Fear and Man (Daniel 3:1-30)
Throughout the Bible, we read stories of people who faced fearful circumstances and yet chose to obey God. One such story is in the book of Daniel during the time when the Jews were in captivity in Babylon. The prophet Daniel had already faced the lions in the lion's den and was delivered unharmed. Daniel’s friends, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abed-Nego, would also go through a testing time where their faith would be challenged.
The Babylonians did not serve the God of the Jews but served their own man-made gods and idols. When Daniel revealed King Nebuchadnezza’’s dream and the interpretation of it, the king promoted Daniel to be the head administrator in the Babylonian kingdom. The king also stated that Daniel’s God was the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets. Despite this, the king made an image of gold that was 90 feet tall and 9 feet wide. The king had a dedication with all of the important leaders of the kingdom. There was an announcement that when musical instruments were played as a symphony, then all people who heard the music had to bow down and worship the image of gold. Whoever did not, would be thrown into a burning fiery furnace.
It was reported to the king that Daniel’s three friends did not obey the king's decree when music was played. In fact, the king was told that these Jews did not serve the Babylonian gods or worship the golden image. The king became furious and commanded that the three be brought to him. When they came before the king, the king questioned them and gave them a chance to obey his decree or be thrown into the fiery furnace. The king added, “And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”
The three answered that their God would deliver them from the fiery furnace and the king’s hands, but if not, they would not serve their gods or worship the gold image. Upon hearing this, the king became more angry and commanded that the furnace be heated up seven times more. He commanded certain mighty men of valor in his army to tie up the three with ropes and throw them into the furnace. The furnace was so hot that the mighty men of valor were killed by the flames of the fire.
The king could see into the furnace and what he saw was completely amazing. He saw the three walking around in the furnace with no ropes, but they were still clothed. He also saw a fourth person with them whom he described looked like the Son of God. The king went closer to the furnace and called them to come out. When they came out, their clothes didn’t even smell of fire and not even their hair had been singed. The king admitted that God had delivered them and he issued a new decree that any people, nation, or language who speaks against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego would be cut in pieces and their houses burned. The king then promoted the three of them into higher positions of leadership in the kingdom.
The three Hebrews showed true faith and courage even in the face of death. They disobeyed the law of the king but chose rather to obey God’s laws, which in this case was to worship only God and no other image or thing.
The Word of God is relevant today and as Christians God wants us to overcome our fears and be obedient to His word. Just because our culture, the world, or even our government tells us that something is OK, but goes against the Word of God, it is not OK. (Acts 5:29) God’s Word is the truth and the Holy Spirit is our guide. When you are struggling with what to believe or follow, look at the Word of God and see what God says about your issue or question. One day you may be faced with the choice to follow God or bow down to an ungodly system and deny your faith in Jesus. As we see Bible prophecies coming true about the last days, don't be afraid. Remember Jesus said that He will never leave us or forsake us and we are to continue the good fight of faith. (Hebrews 13:5-6; I Timothy 6:12)
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Personal Development Tip of the week:
Let’s talk about the importance of a role model. I believe having role models in your life whether that be in person or from afar (think online) is so important to your success.
If I want to improve any area of my life from my fitness to my relationship with God I want to find someone who is already where I want to be. From there I want to find out what they are doing and model that for my own life.
Success in any area of your life leaves clues and these clues can be found in the people you decide to follow.
Now, remember, it’s not about trying to be that person but to learn from that person and their experiences. I also want to find someone who inspires me to want to be better in the area of my life I’m looking to improve.
I have role models in my life that push me to be better from my pastor in my church to my mom.
So what area of your life could use a role model to help you continue to keep moving your life forward.
Question for you? Who are some of your role models?
Prayer for the week
Father God, I am so thankful that You have given me a place of safety when I put my trust in You. You give me peace and contentment in my mind and you protect me from physical and spiritual harm. I command all evil spirits and forces that seek to harm me to depart from me now in Jesus name, Amen.
PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.
Do you know Jesus?
If you have never asked Jesus to be the leader of your life and forgive you of all your sins, this is the right time to act. Pray this simple prayer and believe it in your heart: “Dear God, Your Word says that You loved me so much that You sent Your Son Jesus to die on the cross for me. I want to be saved and have all my sins forgiven, past, present, and future. Forgive me now as I receive Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. You promised me salvation and an abundant life. I believe and receive Your free gift. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me grow stronger in You each day, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.” (John 3:16)
Choose God over Fear and Man