People serve God in many ways. God has call some to be pastors, teachers, prophets, evangelist, and apostles. We also have others such as deacons, bishops, musicians, and much more. What happen if there faith was really put to the test. What if they had to choose between worship an idol to live or serve God and die.
Today we will be looking at the 3 Hebrews boys who names are Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. For we know then best as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Going with God in spite of the circumstances that could get them killed. They didn’t want to bow down to any man-made statue. The know the true God is the Father God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.
Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. Daniel 3:10-11 NIV
Here is what they had to say in response to the decree.
Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 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. 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 3:14, 16-18 NIV
The results in trusting in God and not giving in.
Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, Daniel 3:19-20, 24-26 NIV
Yes, they came out without any hurt or harm. In the midst of it all when the heat is on Christ is there with us. They had a choice to live, by bowing down to the idol or die in the furnace. They knew the God they serve will protect them. That is what you call real faith. In the midst of danger don’t give up, don’t give in when you have real and courageous faith God will lead you through.
Today was all about doing God will doing what he has commanded us to do. Have no other god before God, do not bow down to any man-made image or statue. True faith comes from the heart and knowing who God is. As the Hebrew children did they stood by what they believed in. They didn’t think about it. They say no matter what happens. WE will not server or bow down to the idol. God will protect us.
Finally when it comes to serving God, when you are put to the test will you walk in the light of God? Knowing he is able to let you come out of it alive. Or will you be a weak believer and go with the flow of things and leave God on the back burner. Remember this all that Christ has done for the world and that God has done is far greater than what man can do for you.
Serve God and live, follow Satan and die. Life and death is in your hand choose this day.
GivinHope Ministry
Evangelist John Corum
North Charleston SC
Helping Others thru Prayer and Evangelism
Givin H.O.P.E. Ministry of Evangelism 