One of the bible stories that trigger me so much is that of Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah in Daniel chapter three.
Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon had just made a new golden idol, and he had passed a decree that everybody, including Daniel and his friends, must bow to worship it. He threatens to throw anyone found refusing to stay by that order into a furnace of flaming fire.
The bell bearer goes out each day to announce the dedication feast, the whole of the kingdom was getting ready to worship the new god, the king was waiting to see if anyone will rebel against his law, but Daniel and his friends had concluded in their hearts never to share their worship between the almighty God and the idol of the king
It was the D day, everyone was present before the statue. At the sound of the horn, pipe, zither, lyre, harp, flute, and every kind of instrument they were all expected to bow to worship the image. The king's fire was burning at a distance, those that will throw 'violators' into fire were standing firm like soldiers, and the king was ready to do the worst.
Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon had just made a new golden idol, and he had passed a decree that everybody, including Daniel and his friends, must bow to worship it. He threatens to throw anyone found refusing to stay by that order into a furnace of flaming fire.
The bell bearer goes out each day to announce the dedication feast, the whole of the kingdom was getting ready to worship the new god, the king was waiting to see if anyone will rebel against his law, but Daniel and his friends had concluded in their hearts never to share their worship between the almighty God and the idol of the king
It was the D day, everyone was present before the statue. At the sound of the horn, pipe, zither, lyre, harp, flute, and every kind of instrument they were all expected to bow to worship the image. The king's fire was burning at a distance, those that will throw 'violators' into fire were standing firm like soldiers, and the king was ready to do the worst.
Daniel and his friends were in the midst of the people, they were waiting to see if some other people too will stand for God. Then suddenly, the the men with horn, pipe, zither, lyre, harp, flute, and every kind of instrument blew up. But surprisingly, everyone in the Babylonian kingdom, including other Israelite exiles bowed low to the idol.
Daniel and the three friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were now standing alone, but no one knew that the king of king was with them. Only that He's not going to show up until the children of the most high God were thrown into the fire.
14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Is it true that you don’t serve my gods or worship the gold statue I’ve set up? 15 If you are now ready to do so, bow down and worship the gold statue I’ve made when you hear the sound of horn, pipe, zither, lyre, harp, flute, and every kind of instrument. But if you won’t worship it, you will be thrown straight into the furnace of flaming fire. Then what god will rescue you from my power?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar: “We don’t need to answer your question. 17 If our God—the one we serve—is able to rescue us from the furnace of flaming fire and from your power, Your Majesty, then let him rescue us. 18 But if he doesn’t, know this for certain, Your Majesty: we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you’ve set up.” Daniel 3:14-18
When you are faced with the fiery challenges of life, always remember that God is standing right beside you. And don't you ever give in to the temptations of Satan or persecutions of enemies. Jesus says, ‘In the world you'd see tribulations but be of good cheer I have overcome the world’.
Every day of your life endeavor to stand up for God. Even if you are all alone, make sure you stand out for righteousness.
Daniel and his friends refused to sacrifice their relationship with God even when all others did. They will never bow to that demonic image even when king Nebuchadnezzar has passed a strong decree. These men knew that with God multitude do not carry the vote.
That is a good example for us. Evil seems to be prevailing does not mean you should sign up for evil. Stand out from the midst of the crowd. Let your light shine and stand out in the dark world even of it meant standing alone.
People may mock you for not going with the multitude to do evil, they can say you are crazy, but don't be weary of standing with the Lord. No one has ever stood with the Lord without getting the reward.
When Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire victoriously, they became super stars, promoted by the king, and God was glorified.
See how the king praised God when he saw the miracle that follows Daniel and his friend’s faithfulness and obedience to their God:
28 Nebuchadnezzar declared: “May the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be praised! He sent his messenger to rescue his servants who trusted him. They ignored the king’s order, sacrificing their bodies, because they wouldn’t serve or worship any god but their God. 29 I now issue a decree to every people, nation, and language: whoever speaks disrespectfully about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s God will be torn limb from limb and their house made a trash heap, because there is no other god who can rescue like this.” Daniel 3:28-29
Those who went into fire with God will come out of it refined and glorified.
