Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah had all opportunities to enjoy the delicious food of the king of Babylon, but they chose to deny themselves and identified with the God of the Jews. With their stance in faith, they stood the risk of horrible death in the furnace. However, they were ready to die for the sake of the eternal glory rather than temporal riches and comfort. The Bible says, “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.” Hebrews 11: 24 -27 Beloved, our faith can only be genuine if in the face of afflictions and troubles we remain steadfast. Your situation is never an excuse for indulgences. Do not shrink when the tide is tough, you shall surely rise above the tempest in Jesus name.
The wicked king of Babylon decreed that Daniel and other two Hebrews be thrown into
the furnace. The three declared, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" Daniel 3: 17 -18. There are many professing Christians who denied their faith just to avoid political persecution. Their godfathers in politics are dictating how they share what belongs to the people who elected them into offices. Few privileged leaders treat their followers as slaves. The welfare of the people is never in their mind. God Almighty who is the supreme Judge will one day rise to defend the poor, helpless and weak masses just as He did in the days of Daniel.
It is not only those in high echelon that are betraying their faith. What of students in schools today who throw away their moral value just for the sake of admission, promotion, fame and mundane things? Others may bow to the Nebuchardiezzars of our generation, but my beloved, don’t allow yourself to be rubishe along with them. The Lord shall defend you in the heat of our modern day corruption in Jesus name.
