Furnace Faith Series

Daniel 3:8-12 At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! You have issued a decree, O king, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.” (NIV)

Perhaps, the astrologers were prejudice against the Jews, or they were jealous of the promotion to high office that Nebuchadnezzar gave to these particular Jews. Whatever the reason, the Babylonian astrologers wanted to make sure Nebuchadnezzar knew that three of his officials refused to bow down to his statue.

You see, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego chose to obey God even at the risk of their own lives, and that’s the attitude we as God’s people must have today. No excuses. No compromise. If we’re going to accomplish our mission and do what Christ has called us to do in a hostile environment, then we must…

COMMIT OURSELVES FULLY & COMPLETELY TO GOD.

We must resolve to do what God asks us to do no matter what it costs. We must determine in our own hearts to obey Him even if it means losing our lives.

This is what many of our brothers and sisters have to do all over the world. Just last year (2012), Mission Network News reported on a series of questions church planters with Asian Access (or A2) in a south Asian country ask new believers who are considering baptism. Due to safety concerns, Asian Access does not mention the country's name. The country is predominantly Hindu, but over the past few decades Christianity has grown in popularity—especially among poor and tribal peoples. These are the seven questions asked to help determine a new convert's readiness to follow Christ:

1. Are you willing to leave home and lose the blessing of your father?

2. Are you willing to lose your job?

3. Are you willing to go to the village and those who persecute you, forgive them, and share the love of Christ with them?

4. Are you willing to give an offering to the Lord?

5. Are you willing to be beaten rather than deny your faith?

6. Are you willing to go to prison?

7. Are you willing to die for Jesus?

If the new convert answers yes to all of these questions, then A2 leaders invite that person to sign on the bottom of the paper that of their own free will they have decided to follow Jesus. But here's the risk: if a new convert signs the paper and is caught by the government, he or she will spend three years behind bars. The one who did the evangelizing faces six years in prison. (“South Asian nation struggles to shape itself”, Mission Network News, 1-17-12; www.PreachingToday.com)