July 23, 2021
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter . . . our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning, fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18
Daniel and his three friends would rather die than disobey their God. Chapter one hinted at their inclination to stay committed to His Word, making distinctions between unhealthy and healthy food and drink. They did not go in search of the test, but the test came to them. The essence of all such tests is: to whom do you give your allegiance?
Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? Romans 6:16
The concept of bowing down to an image, or likeness, of anything that sets itself up against God’s Word is a type of testing that will come to all of us in one way or another. Keep standing, beloved! The issue of worship (true vs false) will be the final test in the last days. Many of those who are drawn by deception into false worship will be angry at true worshipers, as Cain was toward Abel (Genesis 4:4-5). Many will claim to be worshiping Jesus while actually betraying him . . . just like Judas (Luke 22:47-48). You can be sure that the Holy Spirit is not leading you to adopt habits, lifestyles, or forms of worship that contradict the written Word. Here’s the plan: stand for truth now (prepare to meet Jesus) and keep standing (stay ready).
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” John 4:23
And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God. Revelation 14:5
Before the throne there was a sea of glass*, like crystal. Revelation 4:6a
Expect to be tested and tried by fiery trials. You have only to stand on the Rock of Truth. His enabling power will uphold all who continue in the faith ...who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:5-7
As you proceed across this world’s mine field of subtle enticements, sore temptations, and blatant attacks — all instigated by the adversary — your prayers of faith will be honored. The Lord will see you, His faithful one, dressed in the righteousness of His Son as if already standing in His presence. And He will see the fire beneath your feet!
*Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. Revelation 15:1-2
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:13