Remain Standing
There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:12
Read Daniel 3:1-13, 24-26
Nebuchadnezzar had organized a large feast on the Plain of Dura. He had erected a large image there to honour himself. All the high ranking officials from his realm were invited to attend the dedication of this image. Daniel’s friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah had been summoned to attend as well, for they had obtained official government positions.
When the herald of the feast gave the signal, the musicians were to begin playing their instruments and all those present on the Plain of Dura were to kneel before the image Nebuchadnezzar had made. Close attention was paid to make sure that everyone bowed down. But the three friends of Daniel remained standing. They were given the opportunity to give an explanation for their actions to Nebuchadnezzar. They declared that they served the one true living God of heaven and earth and not the gods of Babylon. Moreover, they were deeply convinced that the Lord would be able to save them, even when the fiery furnace awaited them.
Though these three men were surrounded by all kinds of Babylonian idols, they remained faithful to the Lord. They bore witness of this in the public square. Their positions as high ranking government officials did not influence or sway them to follow the world. When Christians receive important positions in society, they need God’s grace to remain standing. What would you do if you were one of only a few, or perhaps the only one, who had to take a stand? The Lord alone is able to sustain you in such situations. He is willing to fill you with His Spirit, that you would be enabled to confess His name in this world.
Thought: Is a Christian allowed to seek a high ranking position in the private sector, in government, or as a public servant?
Psalter 425: 3 (based on Psalm 105) Seek ye Jehovah and His power, Seek ye His presence every hour. His works, so marvelous and great, Remember still, and meditate Upon the wonders of His hands, The judgments which His mouth commands.