Death defying faith! (25 July 2019)
(A daily devotion from Rev. Dr. J.N. Manokaran)
Trials, Tribulations, Trouble, Persecutions, and Suffering are part of Christian vocabulary. “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (II Timothy 3:12)
1) Dedication ceremony: Nebuchadnezzar had a vision of a statue – Head was gold (representing him) and descending order of metals representing succeeding weaker Kingdoms that would rule the earth. Daniel interpreted the dream that a stone not cut by human hand, destroys the statue, and His Kingdom will be there forever. Most probably, on advice of his counsellors that making full golden statue will make his kingdom permanent or long-term and eternal.
2) Demand of worship: He demanded peoples of all nations and languages to bow down when they hear the music. (Daniel 3:4,5)
3) Devout youngsters: The youngsters were prayer partners with Daniel when they pleaded God to reveal the interpretation of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar. Hence, they knew God is Sovereign ruler over all nations. Worshipping any other than God is insulting him, violating His commandments.
4) Devious allegation: “Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews.” (Daniel 3:8)
5) Determined Defiance: Three youngsters did not use any honorific for the Emperor. (Daniel 3:16) In their conversation they made it clear that their future is not in the hands of the king or the fire but in the hands of Living God.
6) Dedicated to God: They were totally committed to God not to an idol or an empire.
7) Doubtless faith: Like Job their faith was strong. “Though he slay me, I will hope in him.” (Job 13:15)
8) Decisive Punishment: The punishment was severe. The Emperor in his anger multiplied the heat and fire seven-fold.
9) Defeated death: As Lord had promised they were delivered (Isaiah 43:2). Those soldiers who carried these men, died. These three men walked along with another person. Quenched the power of fire (Hebrews 11: 34)
10) Doxology: Nebuchadnezzar at last blessed, praised and glorified Jehovah. (Daniel 3: 28-30)
Even death can end in doxology. Our tribulations should be for the sake of Truth and Kingdom of God.
Are we willing to endure suffering for His Kingdom?
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