JANUARY 31, 2024
Topic: THE THREE HEBREW BOYS AND THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD’S PRESENCE
Text: Dan. 3:1-30
Memory Verse: Daniel 3: 25 – “He answered and said, Lo, I see four men lose, walking amid the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
The journey of faith is often full of ups and downs. When we are in the season of blissful experiences we rejoice, and when we are in the valley experience, the question is how can you stand the Heat? The story of these three brave Jewish men shows us how they risked their lives for the sake of their loyalty to God.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found themselves in a foreign land and they were faced with a test of their loyalty to God. King Nebuchadnezzar had set-up an image of gold, with the instruction they should bow down and worship it after they hear all kinds of music. Failure to bow down they would be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. The three Hebrew boys chose to be loyal to God. As A.W. Tozer warns, “To be right with God often means to be in trouble with men” Because they refused to bow to the king, they were thrown into the burning furnace. They show us the first lesson for today in our text that true obedience is the refusal to compromise in any regard in our relationship with God, regardless of the consequence.
However, something amazing happened! While in the burning furnace, the Lord showed up with them and even “Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” He answered the question and said, “Lo, I see four men loose, walking amid the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” The second lesson for today is that as sure as ever God puts his children in the furnace, He will be in the furnace with them.
As you step out today, know that your faith is going to be tested, therefore, prepare to be loyal to God no matter the consequences. Also, be assured that those who obey the Lord are assured of the presence of God.
Prayer: Our Father, we thank you, that on the mountains of life, you are with us and when we find ourselves in the valleys of life your presence is ever there. Help us to be loyal to you in the good times and to be obedient to you in the difficult times of our lives.