Behind the benevolent smiles of the great golden statues of the “beloved leaders” in Pyongyang, North Korea, lies a sinister reality. Namely that possessing a Bible can be a death sentence. As a North Korean believer said, “One mistake is all it takes to lose everything.” Indeed, tens of thousands of Christians suffer in harsh labour camps for their faith. And yet, this believer observed, “It is only through God’s special providence, grace and blessings that our underground church network still exists.”
A despotic king in the Old Testament book of Daniel commanded Shadrach, Mesach and Abednego to bow down before a giant image he erected or be thrown into a fiery furnace (Daniel 3:15). Yet they responded with calm confidence and the steadfast belief that God could rescue them (v. 17). And, they continued, “even if he does not . . . we will not worship the image of gold you have set up” (v. 18). Their faith was rewarded when one who looked like “the Son of God” rescued them ( v. 25 NKJV) and the king recognised the greatness of the true God (v. 28).
Two and a half millennia ago three Hebrew men stood firm because they knew their God. Around the world today Christians in countries such as North Korea live out their faith with courage. Whatever trials you face, demands are placed on you or challenges you are enduring, know that God is faithful and will be with you.
By Adrian Smith
REFLECT & PRAY
What situations do you face where you need to be courageous? How will you look to God for help?
Heavenly Father, give me the boldness and courage today that comes from knowing You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s “no compromise” commitment didn’t begin when they faced the fiery furnace. Their commitment to Jewish dietary protocols (Daniel 1) and their faithfulness to the God who’d prescribed them readied them for an even bigger test in Daniel 3. Indeed, the diet test prepared them for the death test. They passed with flying colors, thereby earning them a place in the annals of faith in Hebrews 11. Though not mentioned by name, Hebrews 11:34 most likely refers to these three, who through faith “quenched the fury of the flames.”
Arthur Jackson
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