2 replies to this topic

[grapeape]

Daniel 3: 16 – 18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

I often wondered what it would be like to have to maintain my Christian standards while living in a country without guidelines and respect for such beliefs. Fortunately, this is not a concern of mine, at least not yet. However, for the three Hebrew boys, this is their account. When the Babylonians invaded their country, their lives were changed forever. They were very young men with a commitment that supersedes the average American Christians by leaps and bounds.

The Hebrew boys did not deny the Lord’s Name. When the idolatrous leaders decided to build a golden image of Nebuchadnezzar, they made a law that, when the music started, everyone would bow down and worship the image. They remained morally upright and clean. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were righteous people, but the Babylonian leaders thought, maybe fear for their lives would force them to bow down to the golden image. They thought the three Hebrew children would sell out the Name of the LORD for their own lives. Think again, they didn’t sell the Name of the Lord down the pike for golden images, music, popularity, fame or position.

Two questions remain, “How much is the Name of the Lord worth to you? What is your price to deny the Name?”

[jujubee]

This topic (or the spirit of it) has been on my mind alot. I pray I'm ready when tested.

[catadrioptic]

I could only hope to have 1/4 the courage and faith that they displayed. We are very spoiled in the US since there is not much if any religious persecution going on. I cant imagine what life would be like if there was. It would sure thin out the crowds at Church. Only those truly in love with Jesus Christ would attend.