Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Daniel 3 and Psalm 144

One can only imagine the pressure Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were under. The external social pressure was on, as everyone around them obeyed the king’s order to worship the great idolatrous statue; yet they refused. The internal pressure of fear was on, as defying the order was punishable by death, yet they refused. Their survival instinct was no doubt urging them to compromise, with those familiar internal voices of temptation: “This is a matter of your life! Everyone’s doing it. No one will get hurt. You don’t really mean it in your heart, so God will understand. Just blend in with the crowd.”

Somehow, these three men had the courage of their convictions to stand firm and refuse to compromise. They had the power of a made-up mind. Worshipping anything or anyone other than Yahweh, the LORD, was never going to be an option. Honouring and serving the LORD was non-negotiable, no matter what the consequences. Even when commanded to do so by the most powerful man in their world, they could not be moved. They could respond to him courageously, “Even if (the LORD) does not (rescue us), we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (v.18)

This is the power of a mind that has been made up before the challenge arises. Is your mind made up? Will you serve the LORD and Him alone, even if all around you are rejecting Him? Will you live your life in accordance with His will, even if all around you are compromising? Will you refuse to be swayed – either by threats or by promises? Of course, the same questions could be asked like this: Have you decided to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? For that is where it all begins.

Heavenly Father, I want to love You with this level of absolute commitment. Holy Spirit, please move me to an ever-deepening love for the Father, and to an ever-growing commitment to my Saviour Jesus. Move my heart and soul to love my LORD more than even my life itself. Amen!