Read: Daniel 3:17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Faith – Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
The friendship of Daniel and the gang began under less than desirable circumstances. They were exiled by King Nebuchadnezzar because they were good looking and wise. Imagine that! As part of their service to the king, he forced them to give up their Godly names, and essentially their Jewish faith. Living at the court of the king also included eating foods that would have defiled them under the Jewish law. As a group, the four men agreed to stand strong in their faith and refused to eat the king’s provisions. Later, Daniel would interpret the King’s dream and as a result he was promoted to an important position. Staying faithful to his friends, Daniel requested Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego also be promoted to oversee the province of Babylon. But that wasn’t the end of the story. Despite their standing in the Babylonian kingdom, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were told to worship pagan gods and when they didn’t, the King ordered they be thrown into a fiery furnace. Once again, the friends remained faithful to God and their friendship, refused Nebuchadnezzar’s command and went together into the fiery furnace. But they weren’t alone. A divine being “like the Son of God” walked through the fire with them. God was pleased with their faithfulness to Him and each other and as a result, saved them from the fire.
As we grow in our faith journey it is important that we surround ourselves with Godly friendships. Relationships that can guide us, keep us accountable, and pray with us. Walking through the fire may not be a literal journey we will take in our life, but we will face trials of many kinds. How amazing it can be to walk hand in hand in faith with your friends through the fires of your life.To learn more about the friendship of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, read Daniel 1-3.
