September 12, 2019: SOAP #3570:  Daniel 3-4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17

Scripture:  Daniel (NIV) 3:15 …Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.
18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Observation:   The three Hebrew children understood the issue.  It was not about worshipping an idol.  It was not about their flesh being able to withstand the fire.  It was all about their God!

–Could their God save them from the fire?  To them that was not an issue.  Their mind was at peace; there was no doubt; God could save them.
–Would He save them?  That was not their issue.  That was God’s issue.  That was for God to determine.
–Was God worthy of their sacrifice?  In their minds, clearly, he was!
–Would they bow to the idol?  That issue of the day.  But that issue had been settled long ago.  It had been settled in many little decisions they had previously made.  The big day had arrived, and they were standing on the national stage!

Application:   Glorifying God in my little daily decisions prepares me for glorifying God in the big decisions.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, obedience is not a little/big occasion.  I honor my Heavenly Father by obeying in ALL decisions.  Keep me aware of the issues I face every day.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!