Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
Isn't it encouraging to us how the three Hebrew boys in Daniel 3 had faith and courage (see vss. 13-18)? Their secret is this: when they were first brought to Babylon, they refused to compromise their faith in any little particular (see chapter 1:11-16). They knew that one compromise of evil leads to another downward step. Because of their faithfulness in enduring the smaller test, they became prepared to endure the greatest test. May God help us never to compromise in the first step with sin and with evil!
The book of Revelation unfolds to us the story of a similar test which some shall endure. There will be an "image of the beast" which will be set up on the earth, when all living upon the earth will be commanded to give to it either willing or unwilling worship by obedience to man-made religious laws. As in the days of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, death will be decreed for all who refuse to obey false religion. As it was on the plains of Dura, the vast majority will bow before the decrees of Satan. This test will come to us and to the entire world.
Who will choose “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin”? (Heb. 11:25, 26). Where are the Shadrachs, Meshachs, and Abednegos of today who are now obeying the truth from their hearts? Where are those who obey God daily in the smaller tests that come in our home life, in our school life, and in business? Who will be able to stand in that decisive day which is yet to come?
For those who have truly bowed their knees before the great God of heaven, it will not be hard to make the right choice. They cannot, will not, be afraid of any man’s threats. Fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is better to them than any earthly reward could be. The most precious message of Christ’s righteousness is even now preparing multitudes to stand firm for the Savior.
The same God who delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will work mightily for His people who stand for what is right. The One who walked with the Hebrews in the fiery furnace will be with you wherever you go in His service. His presence will comfort you and sustain you. Satan with a million evil angels cannot harm even one of the weakest of God’s saints.
--Robert J. Wieland
From: The Gospel in Daniel, 2004.
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