Even If

Scripture:  Daniel 3:17-18 -  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king.  But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up!

Every now and then, we encounter those who are heroes of the faith.  In scripture, we see heroes, such as, Abraham, Moses, David, etc.  Well, in the book of Daniel, we are introduced to four Hebrew boys, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego.  We are able to witness their great passion and love for our God in chapters 2, 3, & 6.  Daniel and the other Hebrew boys  showed undeniable faith in Chapter 2 when they requested permission for time to pray to their God for the interpretation of the King’s dream.  They simply believed God would answer their prayers if they but asked.  Once Daniel and his friends heard from the Lord and gave thanks,  Daniel did not hesitate to show that his God was living and true.  The king listened as Daniel told him his dream and its interpretation.  The King was so deeply moved with Daniel and his God that he promoted the four Hebrew boys in the kingdom.  Then we find Shadrach, Meshach & Abed-Nego before the King in Daniel 3; they refused to worship the King’s golden image.  They boldly stated that their God has the ability to deliver from the consequences of not bowing down to the king; but made it clear that their faithfulness to the Most-High God was not dependent upon the deliverance from death.  For they proclaimed that even if God did not deliver them, they still would not worship any other god.  The King, enraged by their response, ordered that the furnace be heated seven times hotter.  Despite being placed in the super-hot furnace, not a hair on Shadrach’s, Meshach’s or Abed-Nego’s head was singed.  The Lord was with them in the furnace and protected them from the fires and the flames.  The King, again, was made to take notice and honor the God of the Hebrew boys.  Another notable occurrence of great faith was when Daniel, in chapter 6, disregarded the King’s decree and continued  without shame to pray to his God and not to the king.  Daniel was aware of the consequences and was willing to face the terror of the lion’s den rather than dishonor his God.  After being thrown in the lion’s den overnight, God delivered Daniel from the  mouths of the lions; he suffered no injury for the glory of God.  Daniel and his companions believed and trusted God’s love, faithfulness, omnipotence, and protection even unto death.  God knew He could trust them with trial; We read these accounts and we glorify God for their acts of worship; for they stayed true to the faith.  We are reminded, God is able to deliver His people especially when we can be trusted to obey Him no matter the cost.  He desires us as His children to have a solid allegiance to Him and to Him only…that we may say like Shadrach, Meshach & Abed-Nego, “Even if God does not deliver us, we still will not bow down and worship any other god.”

Prayer:  Oh Lord, continue to show us that You have a love for us that is everlasting and never failing.  Help us to embrace Scripture and gain the desire to know You through and through; that we may have an active allegiance and trust in You, Your Word, and everything that brings You glory and pleasure.  Thank You for the heroes of the faith; may their testimonies forever reign and point generations to You, Oh Lord.  For You are Great & always worthy.  In Jesus’ Name-Amen!!

(by Lisa Williams)