In the first two chapters, Daniel has been the main focal point, but now as we come to chapter 3 focus switches to his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. This month we are going to focus on the first half of the chapter, verses 1-18. With Daniel presumably out of the country, King Nebuchadnezzar builds a statue of gold to show how wonderful he thinks he is, and then passes a law ordering people to fall down and worship it, anyone failing to do so will be executed. What are the three friends to do?

What would you do? It is easy to sit here and say I would never fall down and worship, but how do we react when under pressure? When our school or university friends are having a go at us, or another Christian, how do we react? Do we stand up for Christ? The 3 friends stand up for God, and refuse to worship and so are brought before the King. He asks them a question "who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?"

How do they reply? Are they apologetic for their faith? Do they make excuses? No rather they throw the challenge back in his face. They are 100% confident in their God and are not going to back down. They firmly believe that if it is God's will then they will be delivered from the fiery furnace, if not then they will die as martyrs, rather than worship an idol.

So in the month that lies ahead of us, follow their example, and stand up to those who would put you down, defy those who would have you join them down the pub rather go to a meeting. Be bold and stand up for your God, after all He was willing to die for you.

If you have any comments or questions about this article then please e-mail me at a.wood@assemblyyouth.net

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