Honour God, and He will honour you

There comes a time when we have to face our fears and take a stand for what we know is right. That’s what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did. They risked their lives when they refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. They could have rationalised, ‘I’ll bow on the outside, but not on the inside,’ or ‘I’ll just pretend the idol is the Lord God.’ But they took a stand for what is right, and it set the stage for miracles.

‘Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”’ (Daniel 3:24–25 NIV) When you place yourself in a defenceless position, it sets the stage for God to show up. But if Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had bowed to the idol:

(1) they would not have received promotions

(2) the Jewish people would not have gained protected status within the Babylonian empire

(3) idol worship would have continued in Babylon

(4) Nebuchadnezzar would not have experienced a life-changing encounter with God.

‘Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent His angel and rescued His servants! They trusted in Him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God...” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.’ (Daniel 3:28–30 NIV)

By honouring God today, you are positioning yourself for Him to bless and honour you.