As a lover of cartoons, I'm drawn to stories of heroes who risk everything to rescue those in harm's way. Often, these heroes are perceived as having superpowers or extraordinary abilities. However, more often than not, they're simply ordinary people who dare to stand up against oppression.
The story of God's rescue of the three Hebrew men - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - from the fiery furnace is a powerful example of this. When we read this story, it's easy to think, "Lord, make it real." But the truth is, whether we believe it or not, God is constantly on a mission to save us.
We can call Him "Agent God" or any other title that fits the Father who never leaves His own stranded. When we stand up for God, there are times when our actions or words don't seem to make sense, and we're left standing alone, saying, "This is God's way."
Victory often requires drastic measures, and we must be willing to lay our bodies on the line. The enemy's strategy is to make us think that God honors us because we haven't suffered; he did it to Job but the truth is, we can love and choose God not for what He can offer us, but because we trust Him daily.
The story of the three Hebrew men is unique. Their boldness and confidence in responding to King Nebuchadnezzar's demands demonstrate their faith in God's saving power. They believed that God would save them, and even if He didn't, it wasn't important.
They boldly declared:
"(16-18) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn't, it wouldn't make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn't serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up."
To respect God's supremacy, they laid their bodies on the line, which is an act of worship - a sacrificial act.
I'm willing to lay my body down for my King, not to see if He'll save me, but because I know He will. And even if He doesn't, I still won't care, because I'm ready to be a living sacrifice.
God pulled off the first rescue mission, and King Nebuchadnezzar can attest to that. The question is, are you ready to be a living sacrifice? Are you willing to honor God in every moment you get? God desires true worshippers - will you be one?
Stay Revived!
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