Is heroic faith exiting? Well, READING about heroic faith is exiting, but I am not so sure how I feel about jumping in a blazing furnace... I am a bit of a chicken, you see?
I tried to imagine the equivalent of what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did, in 21st century Dayton, OH (or anywhere really). A quick look at the local news confirmed the absence of maniac, self centered kings who required me to worship gold statues.. that's actually great news for once! (from what I hear, a blazing furnace requires a considerable amount of time, energy and money in maintenance). More seriously, there are a few things I refuse to do because I sincerely believe they are outside of the boundaries for my faith (or simple common sense). I wouldn't call them heroic acts of faith, but it is sometimes necessary to take a stand on relatively small things, in order to take one on bigger decisions.
I like how SS often talks about the difference between faith and foolishness. Refusing to bow down to a statue at the risk of being burnt alive might sound borderline foolish, but it was the right and only thing to do for these three young heroes. With God on their side, they knew that anything was possible. If they were scared, they didn't really show it; except maybe when they admitted that they needed to be realistic.
But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. Daniel 3:18
Pretty bold if you ask me. I often pray for this kind of boldness. Boldness in my daily life, boldness in my prayer life, boldness to jump in my own blazing furnace, knowing that God will protect me, walk with me, and leave me "unbound and unharmed".
EED
I tried to imagine the equivalent of what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did, in 21st century Dayton, OH (or anywhere really). A quick look at the local news confirmed the absence of maniac, self centered kings who required me to worship gold statues.. that's actually great news for once! (from what I hear, a blazing furnace requires a considerable amount of time, energy and money in maintenance). More seriously, there are a few things I refuse to do because I sincerely believe they are outside of the boundaries for my faith (or simple common sense). I wouldn't call them heroic acts of faith, but it is sometimes necessary to take a stand on relatively small things, in order to take one on bigger decisions.
I like how SS often talks about the difference between faith and foolishness. Refusing to bow down to a statue at the risk of being burnt alive might sound borderline foolish, but it was the right and only thing to do for these three young heroes. With God on their side, they knew that anything was possible. If they were scared, they didn't really show it; except maybe when they admitted that they needed to be realistic.
But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. Daniel 3:18
Pretty bold if you ask me. I often pray for this kind of boldness. Boldness in my daily life, boldness in my prayer life, boldness to jump in my own blazing furnace, knowing that God will protect me, walk with me, and leave me "unbound and unharmed".
EED
2 comments:
You are a good blogger! (And this "ss" of whom you speak sounds like a pretty good guy!)
Thank you for your kind words, anonymous!
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