The generation that defied fire

The word “defy” simply means openly resist or refuse to obey and the word “fire” means a process in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke; combustion or burning.

Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon. He is a monarch and not a democrat. His instruction was tantamount to a decree. He had the power to fire and kill anyone who disobeyed his instruction during his reign. He made an idol in form of golden image and instructed that all should bow and worship it upon hearing the sound of the music. At that time, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the three Jewish men were appointed by him to be in charge of affairs of the province of Babylon.

These three men disobeyed the king’s command by not bowing to worship the idol, which the king had set up. They were reported to the king and the king angrily summoned them.

The king informed them that they would be given a second chance to obey his command or else they shall be cast into the burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands,” the king queried (Daniel 3:15). They responded to the king that the God they serve is able to deliver them from the burning fiery furnace. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image, which thou hast set up,” (Daniel 3:16-18).

The king was full of fury, and commanded that they be thrown into the fire. Suddenly, the king observed that they were four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Then the king commanded that they come out of the fire. Then they came out. And the princes, governors, captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them,” (Daniel 3:24-27).

They contended for their faith in God without fear of punishment. The Bible says in Jude 3 (NKJV), “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith, which was once for all delivered to the saints.” The word: “contend” means to defend a belief. As a born again believer today, are you contending for what you believe? What is popular may not be right. Majority of people may choose to follow the path that leads to destruction, but as a child of God, you cannot do so. You should arise and defend your faith in God notwithstanding the falling standards in our values and practices. You are different. You can say “NO” to bribery, corruption and immorality. I pray that you will be enlisted into the special squad standing for God. Refuse to bow to ungodly practices and be the undaunted champion. Do not sacrifice your conscience for monetary and temporal gains. The battle of contending for your faith in Christ Jesus may be fierce, but you should not give up. My prayer for you is that you shall hear, “Well done my faithful servant” on the last day. Amen. “Blessed is that man who will hold on to his commitment.”

Today’s Nugget: Refuse to bow to ungodly practices and be the undaunted champion.

Prayer: O Lord, help me to be enlisted into the special squad standing for God in Jesus Name, Amen.
Prayer lines: 09078154261.
E-mail: evangelgospel@yahoo.com
Dr. Chidi Okoroafor
General Superintendent
Assemblies of God Nigeria