We Do Not Serve Your Gods by Kirk Hunt
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 3:17-18 NKJV
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego stood before the king and politely told him his power had limits. “We do not serve your gods.” Their direct, plainspoken words were likely to land them in a fiery furnace.
They understood the order. They understood the penalty for non-compliance. They were at risk of making the ultimate sacrifice for their integrity.
These ethnic minorities tried to find the quieter route to maintaining their integrity. Moral or principled stances are not amplified by decibels or press releases. They are magnified by quiet courage and uncomplaining determination. Faithful men and women stay on their feet, despite brutal retaliation or unjust retribution.
Embarrassed before his assembled government, Nebuchadnezzar bellowed fearsome threats. The smell, smoke, and possibly heat of the furnace were obvious to everyone. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego said their words calmly and with unbent knees.
The king of these men was not bluffing. These subjects of the king were not bluffing. And no one bent their knees.
Having integrity in private is one thing. Keeping your integrity, especially in public, is a different thing. Are you bluffing?
Think: What am I willing to sacrifice to maintain my Christian integrity?
Pray: “Lord, help me to maintain my integrity before men and especially You.”
Copyright © May 2023, Kirk Hunt
This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.
