Don't Bow

  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand.  But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” ~Daniel 3:16-18

I go to church expecting to hear something that will feed my soul and embolden me to continue this journey with the Lord.  Last Sunday, I heard these words."  If you don't bow, you won't burn' Praise God!  The minister was referencing Daniel 3, the familiar story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  Nebuchadnezzar had set up a golden image and he decreed that when the the horns, flutes and lyres sounded that people were to bow down and worship the golden image (Daniel 3:10)  But Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused.  If with the threat of their life they would not bow down.

Later in Daniel 3, we find that these three Hebrews were thrown into the furnace, but Nebuchadnezzar saw four.  They were walking around.  Daniel 3:25 records.. He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

Daniel 3 inspires me and has my spirit leap for joy.  When we do not bow down to worship anything other than God.  He will deliver us.  Yes, they went through the fire, but they were not burned because God was with them.  Jesus always stands ready to defend.

So now I'm asking what things do I need to not bow down to.  I will not bow down to sin, gossip, self-righteousness, oppression, fear, or anything that sets itself up against God.  I will not conform to this world, but rather be transformed by the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2)  I will be resolute.

I may have to go through the fire, but I know I will not be alone.  I know that when I am called out I will be in a better position than I was before because God will use it for His glory. ( Daniel 3:28-30) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's faith showed the king just who God was(is) and that there is no God like him.  We can show the world that too.  God has been connecting the dots for me and I praise Him for it.  Hallelujah!

In three days many will not receive from the government the provisions they need for food security, Many are missing paychecks.  Scary times, but we can stand up for the vulnerable.  We can trust in God who is our provider to show up in mighty ways for people.  We can donate, work as a community, as the church to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  We can decree that God will show up for them as we face the fire.

Lord, there is nothing impossible for You.  I pray that as we stand for justice and righteousness that Your power will be manifested.  The enemy wants confusion and fear.  He wants us to bow down and worship the material and the temporal, but I decree that we will stand up and call on the name of the Lord.  Do what only You can do.  Move as only You can move.  Be our fourth in the fire.  In Jesus name.  Amen