“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)
In Daniel 3:13, we read how King Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage because he thought three young men of no real consequence displayed an irreverent attitude towards his instruction. As king, he gave an order; that is, all should bow down and pay homage to a golden statue, and he expected it to be followed. He did not care about one’s beliefs or religious upbringing, only that his orders are obeyed.
In his humiliation, rage, and anger, he instructed that the furnace, which was prepared for anyone who disobeyed him, be heated seven times more than normal. He showed no mercy, and at his command, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three young Hebrew men, were bound and thrown into the fiery furnace.
My brothers, Hebrews 11:6 states, “…he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him – (NKJV). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego placed their trust and confidence in God, not knowing the outcome, and He rewarded them. This same promise applies to us today once we put our trust and confidence in Him.
How was their faith rewarded? Let’s hear the testimony from King Nebuchadnezzar as he spoke to his officials, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king. “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”- Daniel 3:24-25 (NKJV).
God gave King Nebuchadnezzar the revelation of the fourth man in the fire. It was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who came to save His children, who, despite the personal danger to their lives, continued being courageous and were not intimidated by power. Praise God!
The Hebrew boys were eventually called from the fire and examined by the king and his officials. They observed that the fire had not singed their bodies in any way. Their hair and garments were not affected, and even the smell of fire was not on them. What an awesome God we serve.
Whatever situations or challenges you and I are faced with, know that God promises us that He will never leave us, nor would He forsake us. So, just like the three young Hebrew men, ‘be courageous.’
Read: 2 Chronicles 32:7; Psalm 31:24
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 73:15-28; Acts 9:1-31; 2 Samuel 22; 2 Samuel 23:1-7
