STEEMCHURCH - THE FIERY FURNACE

Dear Steemians,

Greetings from #Nigeria. I hope you all had a nice Easter celebration. While we are still in the spirit of Easter, I just want to share probably one of the most popular bibe stories with everyone. The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

Daniel 3:1-

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide,[a] and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.
2 He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up.
3 So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.
4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do:
5 As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.
6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”
7 Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
8 At this time some astrologers[b] came forward and denounced the Jews.
9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever!
10 Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold,
11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace.
12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

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Growing up as a child, this story made little or no sense to me. I never thought how deep it was, but as I get older, It made a whole lot of sense then it made me appreciate this story the more. I could feel what these three guys went through & how God can turn things around for good.

King Nebuchadnezzar, was very rich, proud and a powerful king. His decrees were final so his subjects were afraid of him. Imagine setting up a blazing furnace for whoever does not fall down and worship the image he made. This gets to show how mean he was as a king.

Daniel 3:5-6

5 As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.
6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”

King Nebuchadnezzar here represents the world. Sometimes, we are been pressured by the world to compromise our worship in God. This could come in any form. Worldly pleasures are so appealing & attractive, but usually comes with hidden consequences. There is a saying that says "The devil does not have a free gift. Hr gives you something with the right hand, he will definitely collect it back with the left hand"

In the world today, there are so many distractions that can take us away from the things of the Lors. And that is why the bible saya :You are in the world, but not of the world" Back then serving the god of King Nebuchadnezzar was en vogue considering the consequences that was attached it.

The bible says at the last days there will be the mark of the beast

Revelation 13:16-17

The beast forced all the people, small and great, rich and poor, slave and free, to have a mark placed on their foreheads.
17 No one could buy or sell without having this mark, that is, the beast's name or the number that stands for the name

Now, the question is, how many Christians will be willing to go hungry or even die for the sake of God rather than getting this mark? Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were ready to die for the God they serve. They were willing to disobey the king rather than serve another god. The judgment day is coming and this version will definitely take place. How prepared are we willing to suffer for Christ.

For most Christians, bowing down to the golden image would be the easy way out, and most people would jump at the offer. Afterall, nobody wants to die so God would probably understand. Today, many Christians are willing to compromise God's standard in order to fit in or belong, but we forget there are consequences whenever we lower our standards for the easy way out.

On the other hand, these three great guys Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego represents the true definition of God's children. They knew who they served so had the courage to let the whole world know of their God. Imagine turning down the offer of their master (they were held captives) and the punishment that came with it.

Today, Christians who are firm in the teachings of the Lord pass through a lot of rejection, name calling and hatred even from their loved ones. The question is, which is more important to you as a Christian. ......to be in a good relationship with God or to be in good relationship with the world? It's up to everyone of us to answer this genuinely. God has given us the option to chose from right and wrong. We can all decide who we truly want to serve just like Joshua.

Joshua 24:14-15

Now then, Joshua continued, "honour the Lord and serve him sincerely and faithfully. Get rid of the gods which your ancestors used to worship in Mesopotamia and in Egypt, and serve only the Lord.
15 If you are not willing to serve him, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors worshipped in Mesopotamia or the gods of the Amorities, in whose land you are now living. As for my family and me, we will serve the Lord.

However, there are few leassons we could learn from this story that will help us overcome the world as Christians;

AFTER TRIALS COMES TESTIMONY: Testimony is the evidence or proof of something. The seen result of your trial. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego went through a burning furnace, but never stopped believing in their God, and they got their testimonies at last.

For most Christians, when we pass through trials, it will look as if God has abandoned us. We feel God will never come to our rescue and help us. We feel like it's the end of the world that God has disappointed us, but these three guys acted differently. What matters, was the relationship they had with God and were willing to die for His sake. They knew the promises of God and were certain He will not disappoint them, and were ready to die just in case God did not save them.

And to some, being a christians shields you from temptation. Some will even give their lives to Christ so they don't get to face any more trials, but I tell you, this isn't true. In fact, for the fact, we are christians attracts the devil. The devil is not happy of who you are so he will try all manner of things to lure you to himself. Trials makes us stronger and strengthens our faith. Look at the story of Job. Christ was also tempted by the devil. We must pass through fire to be pure gold, but the bible says "God will never give us the trials that are bigger than us" and also in

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and staff, they comfort me.

Trials will surely come, but there shall be testimony, for the Lord will deliver you from it. Are you going through a rough time right now? Do not be dismay, your testimony is on the way. Just keep believing in God and it will all end in praise.

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Daniel 3:28-30

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.
29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

FAITH & TRUST IN GOD: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had strong faith & trust in God to an extend, they were willing to die in the burning furnace. They told the king in assurance that their God will deliver them so were ready to be thrown into the fire.

For most christians, trusting in God is a big deal. We always entertain fears in our hearts, believing in God, but not totally. Most a time, we even try to help ourselves out and think for God. Christianity is all about faith & trust in God, knowing fully well God's decision is the best for us. Imagine Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego saying "shouldn't in case, He(God) did not deliver, we still won't bow down to the gold statue" This was so deep. In other words, we were fine in God not saving them. They were okay with whatever He decides to do.

Having faith & trust in God goes beyond applying logic to your current situation. It goes beyond depending on man and God. It is when we have totally surrender everything to God & allow Him guide and direct our paths.

1 Peter 1:8-9

You love him, although you have not seen him, and you believe in him, although you do not now see him. So you rejoice with great and glorious joy which words cannot express
9 because you are receiving the salvation of your souls, which is the purpose of your faith in him.

Psalm 9:10

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you

GOD IS A PROMISE KEEPER: There are 1001 promises in the bible and He has never failed in keeping any one of them. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew God will always keep to His words because they were rooted in His words.

Numbers 23:19

God is not like men, who lie, He is not a human who changes his mind. Whatever he promises, he does, He speaks, and it is done

The question is, why then do most christians doubt God? Why do you feel God will not keep to His promises? God's words are yea and Amen! He has promise to be with us through trials and He did with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego .

Daniel 3:24-25

Suddenly Nebuchadnezzar leapt to his feet in amazement. He asked his officials, Didn't we tie up three men and thrown them into the burning furnac? They answered, "Yes, we did, your Majesty"
25 "Then why do I see four men walking about in the fire? He asked. They are not tied up, and they show no sign of being hurt- and the fourth one looks like an angel.

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God is God
God is a promise keeper
God never disappoints
God will never Change for He is God

CHRISTIANS ARE UNIQUE: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego lived a very unique lifestyle. Imagine converting the almighty King Nebuchadnezzar to God by their actions. As christians, we are unique beings. People look up to us and learn from us. I've seen cases where an unbeliever said someone is a good christian "Hold on to your God for He is powerful" We are the salt and light of the world. The whole nation of Babylon had to bow down to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

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Daniel 3:26, 28-29

So Nebuchadnezzar went up to the door of thr blazing furnace and called out " Shadrach! Meshach! Abednego! Servants of the Supreme God! Come out! And they came out at once
28 The King said, "Priase the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego! He sent His angel and rescued these men who serve and trust him. They disobeyed my orders and risked their lives rather than bow down and worship any god except their own
29 And now I command that if anyone of any nation, race, or language speaks disrespectfully of the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, he is to be made a pile of ruins. There is no other god who can rescue like this

As Christians, we are created to be different and do exploits for God. Do not let the devil tell yoj otherwise. Do not let the people of the wprld bring you down for you are god. The angels are thwre to run arrands for you what then explains your greatness?

1 Peter 2:9

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

We are God's representatives on earth, through our lifestyles souls are won for Christ this makes us so special. Do you know you are the apple of God's eye? Why then are you ashamed of being a christian? Be proud of who you are and feel good about yourself.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had this courage and was able to say no to the king. They knew what they were made of & who they had inside.

NEVER LOWER YOUR STANDARD: Sometimes, when faced with pressures from the world, we tend to lower our standards to avoid certain consequences.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were never moved by the pressure mounted on them from the King and his men.

There are rules & doctrines to follow for any christian whose aim is to make heaven, but once you begin to compromise those standards then your chances of making heaven will definitely decrease as the day goes by.

Let people know what your standards are as a Christian and always stand by it no matter what happens. If for example, in an office environment and there is a plan of fraud, those who are planning to carry out such act will not get you involved because they know what you stand for. Christianity is a way of life, people knowing who you are and what you stand for. These three guys weren't ready to go any lower for anyone not even for a king like Nebuchadnezzar.

1 Thessalonians 5:21

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good”

We serve a living God who keeps His promises....Hallelujah!

Thank you for reading & visiting my blog!!!

God bless you all!!!