“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it”- Matthew 16:25 (NKJV)
In many counties around the world today, we are told of Christians of all ages being persecuted because of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Many have been killed, homes and schools destroyed, while others are arrested and sent to prison. These reports bring a sense of sadness, especially for those of us who reside in countries where there is freedom to practice our faith. But we can be strengthened today by some courageous young men who faced death because of their faith. Their only crime was they refused to bow down and worship an idol erected by a king.
In Daniel 3, we read the account of three courageous young Hebrew men who refused to bow and worship a gold statue that Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, the most powerful king during that period, had erected. The king instructed that all his subjects, both near and far, should be present at an appointed date to bow down and worship his “image,” and whoever fails to do so would immediately be thrown into the midst of a fiery furnace”(Daniel 3:6).
As homage was offered to the golden statue by many, news quickly reached the king that three young men: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, had refused to obey his commands. The king became outraged, reminded them what the penalty for disobedience was, and demanded that they bow down, saying, “…who is the God who will deliver you from my hands.” (Daniel 3:15).
The three Hebrew boys, however, remembered their upbringing from their native land, Jerusalem, and refused to obey the kings’ ungodly command (Daniel 3:16-18). They remembered the God of their ancestors and, therefore, were ready to die than bow and worship the king’s image.
Likewise, we must remember our Godly upbringing and trust God in our times of adversity. He is a faithful God Who is able to deliver.
Read: Daniel 3:8-12; Isaiah 43:2
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 14:25-35; Acts 8:4-40; 2 Samuel 20; 2 Samuel 21
