Reading in Daniel 3, king Nebuchadnezzar set up an image of gold and made a national decree that everyone had to fall down and worship the image of gold or be thrown into a blazing furnace (v. 6).  The three friends of Daniel made it clear that they would not worship the king’s gods or the golden image. Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie them up and throw them into the blazing furnace (v. 20).

The young men did not worship the image of gold and remained faithful to God. The king then ordered that the furnace be heated seven times hotter. It was so hot that the soldiers who tossed them in were overcome with the flames and died. As king Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace, he saw a fourth person which had to have been Christ walking with them (vv. 24-25); delivering Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from death.

Like the three young men, we can stand firm for God so that even those against us will gain our respect. This day with God, we can have the courage to stand up to others who put pressure to worship idols in this world rather than be committed to the ONE and only God. We can live boldly and courageously for God; believing that Jesus Christ is continually with us.

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