In listening through the Old Testament again, I heard words many of us have read in the book of Daniel. Three Godly men refuse to bow to the idol Nebuchadnezzar erected in the desert and are about to be thrown into the fiery furnace. “Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, ‘Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?’…To which they said, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:13-18
To hear the King call out your name in a rage must have been terrifying. Yet it does not seem to phase the three men. Clearly they were prepared for this before the confrontation. They spoke as one. There is a great lesson in this for Christians today. In the heat of the battle is probably not the best time to decide what you think or believe. Should the enemy call out your name, I hope there are two or three other names right there with yours. The fellowship of believers is for fighting spiritual battles, that we may serve as one together against the only enemy we have.
You are invited to our fellowship lunch October 30 at noon in the fellowship hall. Know this is about far more than salads and desserts.