People Matter Daily Devotional: September 21

A Word From God’s Word
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them.

Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:26-30 (ESV)

A Word From Jason Christ
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were caught between worshiping God or the king. When confronted by the king about choosing between defying God or defying the king (which would result in being tossed into the fiery furnace), they responded this way in verses 17-18:

“If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

This confession of faith in their God had far-reaching consequences. Nebuchadnezzar sees first-hand what God is capable of and calls the three “servants of the Most High God” to come out of the furnace. The people marveled at what they saw—how no part of them had been touched by the fire. I imagine they were stunned by this development, having seen so many prior instances where people were consumed completely by the flames.

But this confession of faith and subsequent miracle changed Babylon forever. Nebuchadnezzar decrees that anyone speaking against the true God should be put to death, no doubt causing people to consider the reason for this decree and possibly coming to faith themselves. Then he promotes the young men to be leaders in the community, influencing events and lives for the glory of God. The community has been changed forever.

Likewise, when we stand up and confess faith in God while serving in our communities, God is glorified and our communities are transformed forever.

Jason Christ is the Director of Student Ministries.

A Word With God
Lord Jesus, may we be bold to confess your name where we live and work. May our confession of faith transform our community. Amen.