Having The Faith to Favor And Follow A Faithful God (Part I)

    We know of Daniel's faithfulness, as well as that of the company he kept. The 'whom' of Daniel 3:19, referred to as the 'sons of Judah' are: Shadrach [Hananiah], Meshach [Mishael], and Abed-nego [Azariah]. Daniel's assigned name, by his captors, was that of Belteshazzar. The reigning authority and captor of these was Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who was permitted victory over Judah, under then King Jehoiakim.  These faithful ones emerged from apparent defeat, and subsequent capture.

     Hananiah means 'Jehovah has been gracious'. Mishael means 'Who is like God? Azariah means 'Jehovah is strong'. These captives were perceived as exceptional by their captor, and per the King Nebuchadnezzar, the chief over the eunuchs [Ashpenaz] was given authority to groom them in the ways of the Chaldean culture and society. Attempting to strip them of their history and legacy, they were assigned new names: Shadrach means 'command of Aku, the moon god'. Meshach means 'the shadow of the prince.’ Abed-nego means 'servant of Nego, god of wisdom [or Nabu, or Nergal]'.

     Despite overwhelming efforts to change them, they maintained the ways of their upbringing, keeping their foundational faith. One day, they were put to the test as it became known that they would not worship an idol of their captors, to which the king offered worship, OR ELSE in so many words. They were steadfast and accepted the penalty of not obeying the king. [Sometimes obedience to God has a high cost]. "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He will deliver us out of 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." [Daniel 3:17,18] Facing the 'fire' precedes the fire, with a faithful attitude.
 
PRAYER:  Lead me, O' God, to live a God-honoring life, letting me manage such one day at a time, I pray in the mighty name of Jesus.
Amen.
By Bro. Brockington