“OH WHERE IS YOUR CONFIDENCE? (5)”

Post date: Jan 18, 2019 4:48:26 AM

The three Hebrews brothers Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went to the furnace of fire that was before them with confidence in their God even when they knew what fire can do and what will happen to their bodies in that fire. They were accused of refusing to worship the golden god of Nebuchadnezzar and not disrespecting him, by the reasoning of their conspirators these men were guilty, they were condemned and sentenced to die by fire in the furnace. Their challenge was real, the fire was ready, the three men were presented before Nebuchadnezzar and his entire counselors were watching with evidence of their accusations, but one thing Nebuchadnezzar and his counselors never knew was that these three men were confident of their stand on the issue at hand, they were physical, mentally and spiritually confident of their God, they knew that no amount of plea will change the heart of Nebuchadnezzar or change his decisions against them, they knew the people were also watching to see them denounce their earlier decision or die, but these three men were prepared and ready to stand confidently on the God they knew, the God they trusted, and the God who alone they worshipped with joy even when they experience pains and human condemnation. They were ready to believe and stand on God’s words rather than the words of men or the fear generated by what they were told by Nebuchadnezzar.

“There are some Jews whom you put in charge of the province of Babylon Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who are disobeying your Majesty's orders. They do not worship your god or bow down to the statue you set up. At that, the king flew into a rage and ordered the three men to be brought before him. He said to them, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you refuse to worship my god and to bow down to the gold statue I have set up? Now then, as soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, oboes, lyres, zithers, harps, and all the other instruments, bow down and worship the statue. If you do not, you will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace. Do you think there is any god who can save you? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered, your Majesty, we will not try to defend ourselves. If the God whom we serve is able to save us from the blazing furnace and from your power, then he will. But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty may be sure that we will not worship your god, and we will not bow down to the gold statue that you have set up.” Daniel 3:12-18

The result of their confidence was amazing, it resulted in their promotion and the conviction of others that it is good to have confidence in God, in His words and in His promises. “Suddenly Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement. He asked his officials, didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the blazing furnace? They answered, yes, we did, your Majesty. Then why do I see four men walking around in the fire? he asked. They are not tied up, and they show no sign of being hurt and the fourth one looks like an angel. So Nebuchadnezzar went up to the door of the blazing furnace and called out, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Servants of the Supreme God, come out and they came out at once. All the princes, governors, lieutenant governors, and other officials of the king gathered to look at the three men, who had not been harmed by the fire. Their hair was not singed, their clothes were not burned, and there was no smell of smoke on them. The king said, praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, He sent his angel and rescued these men who serve and trust him. They disobeyed my orders and risked their lives rather than bow down and worship any god except their own. And now I command that if anyone of any nation, race, or language speaks disrespectfully of the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he is to be torn limb from limb, and his house is to be made a pile of ruins. There is no other god who can rescue like this. And the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to higher positions in the province of Babylon.” Daniel 3:24-30. When God wants to promote, He allows certain things to happen. Prayer Request Click here