WHEN JESUS SHOWS UP
In bible there is a great story of three Hebrew boys. There was pressure from the enemy to change and adopt the culture and the dictates of the world. The Israelites were to bow down to an image when music sounded. In other words, the enemy of God wanted praise and honor that belonged to God only.
Daniel 3:6 “and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
The leader Nebuchadnezzar, tried to minimize and mock the God of Israel and to challenge His people let it happen. And many of them kept silent and never contended against him.
Almost all of the people of God gave in giving honor to the image. When they heard the music, they would bow down to the golden image. This represents the gods of the world. These people feared the punishment and ridicule of the world more than God.
I FEAR THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD MORE THAN THE JUDGEMENT OF THIS WORLD’S SYSTEM.
Ecclesiastes 8:12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him
However, we find in Daniel that there were three Hebrew boys who lived out what they believed.
Daniel 3:12 “There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
The king gives them one more chance to give in and bow to the image. What we need to realize is, the enemy is persistent and does not give up just because you didn’t give in one time. You must resist him every time he tempts you.
17 “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 “But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
These three young men refused to bow down to the gods of this world. The question must be asked, have we bowed down to the gods of this world – lust, greed, envy, lying, and more. It’s time for the church to stand up and live according to God’s word.
As a result of their defiance of the king’s order, they were sentenced to be thrown into the fiery furnace. Yet, his plan didn’t work.
Daniel 3:24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
What the king didn’t expect was for Jesus to show up and save them in the fire. Yes, we must sometimes endure the pain and heat of the fire, but hold on a bit longer because Jesus is going to show up. When you walk through fire, understand the destruction of satan won’t work because Jesus is about to show up.
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Give God some praise right now. Thank Him for showing up in your trouble to bring you out.
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