Making It Clear

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18 NLT

Captives in a foreign country. Forced to learn the ways of their captors and also to serve them. The enemy stripped them of everything that identified them, including their real names, and changed everything they had been. Well, almost everything...

In the circumstances of their captivity, they were dependent on the king for food and clothing and housing - for their very existence - but all of it superficial compared to what they held in their hearts. These boys knew God for who HE is and who they were IN Him. They understood His Word. They BELIEVED God. Facing death, they did not back down from the Truth they knew. They didn't plead, they didn't barter, they didn't trade their light for the world's darkness. And because of it, a nation came to trust the God they served. Our God.

Hold on to the TRUTH that you know. We do NOT have to walk in fear. God is still God, able to save, able to deliver, able to rescue us - yes, He is able even from CoVID-19... But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up. Or the world's equivalent of a gold statue...

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for who You are and who WE are IN You! Pour out on us a fresh anointing of Your peace, compassion and love so that we are able to make it clear to those within the sphere of influence You have given us that You are our God and You sent Your Son so they can have a right relationship with You. Cause our spirits to rise up and speak Your Truth to a world that is desperate for hope. Give us the ability, the words and the opportunity to do so. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen