By Dona Hake
The resolute heart is the one firmly resolved or determined. This heart of faith is set in purpose and will follow God no matter what. The heart that is resolute in serving Him is the one that realizes that serving half hearted is not an option.
Today we will look at three young men that were resolute in serving their God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego understood that they could not bow to the god that was created by the King. As the King commanded all the people to do so, these three continued to stand and not bow to this man made god. The King was made aware of those that would not bow…
Daniel 3:12-13-14
“There are some Judeans who you made important officials in the province of Babylon that ignored your order, King. Their names are Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They don’t worship your gods, and they didn’t bow down to worship the gold idol you set up.”
Nebuchadnezzar became very angry. He called for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So they were brought to him. And Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you don’t worship my gods? And is it true that you didn’t bow down and worship the gold idol I have set up?” Daniel 3:12-13-14
Today as I read this Bible story my heart admires these three who served their God with a heart of resolve. They well understood that there would be punishment for their decision to refuse to bow to a man made god.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not worried about what will happen to us. If we are thrown into the flaming furnace, our God is able to deliver us; and he will deliver us out of your hand, Your Majesty. But if he doesn’t, please understand, sir, that even then we will never under any circumstance serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have erected.”
Daniel 3:16-18
These three that were resolved in their heart were now going to be tested. As their hands were bound they were thrown into the hot furnace. The king was so angry at them that he commanded the furnace be made even hotter. The flames were so hot it killed the soldiers as they were throwing them in the furnace. I love how this story ends because it is a triumphant victory and the king was astonished at what he saw. The conversation of the king and those around him was this.
The king said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire. They are not tied up and they are not burned. The fourth man looks like an angel.” As they walked out of the furnace the King was convinced that they served the living God above. There was strong evidence of the mighty hand of God for the fire had not even singed their clothing. Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their God has sent his angel and saved his servants from the fire! These three men trusted their God and refused to obey my command. They were willing to die instead of serving or worshiping any other god.”
I love these testimonies that are in the Word to remind us to live uncompromisingly before the Living God above. God is still at work and He desires to show Himself in mighty ways as we too serve Him with resolute hearts!
~~~~~♥~~~~~