Take away the dross from silver, and it will go to the silversmith for jewelry (Proverbs 25:4).
DECISIONS
God had shown King Nebuchadnezzar the future of the world through the dream of a statue, which the prophet Daniel had interpreted effectively (Daniel 2). The message was very clear: now Babylon reigned, but one day its hegemony would come to an end and, then, it would give way to other world powers, namely, Media-Persia, Greece, and Rome. In the last part of its history, the world would be divided between strong (iron) and weak (clay) countries. Later, through the figure of a rock hitting the bottom of the statue and breaking it apart, the Lord assured that He would establish His kingdom in this world. However, the mighty king of Babylon rejected the divine message and, in open defiance of the heavenly message, commanded that a golden statue be built on the outskirts of the city. In addition, he commanded that his main collaborators should be present that day to worship it.
As officials in the Chaldean government, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were on that day on the plain of Dura. When the musical notes began to sound, indicating that everyone had to prostrate in front of the image, a human rug covered the place. But the three young men remained standing. Immediately, their critics informed the king of the action of those young men. The monarch sent for them. Minimizing the rebellious act of the young Hebrews, the sovereign gave them a new opportunity to bow to the statue. But they responded: «O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 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. 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» (Daniel 3:16-18).
What an answer! The young people responded that they were sure of what they believed in and knew that God had the power to deliver them from that furnace of fire. Yet they did not know what the Lord had arranged for their future, whether they would live or die, but they would accept the divine will. Therefore, they would not betray the heavenly Father. That’s called unconditional loyalty! They did not place on the Lord conditions to be faithful. And of course, God didn’t abandon them and He was with them in the furnace. That day, the most powerful king in the world recognized the power of the God of heaven.
Don’t be afraid to be faithful to God. He will be with you at all times.
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Youth 2020
«A New You»
From: Alejandro Medina Villareal
Collaborators: Gezer Noria & Misael Morillo
