It is a story that we remember from Sunday School. King Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon erected a Gold statue 90 feet high and nine feet wide in Babylon and required all the officials and people of his kingdom to worship the image. Anyone who refused to bow before this image would be thrown into a blazing furnace. 

In case we think this is only ancient history, the same kind of scenario is playing out in Afghanistan today were the Taliban want everyone to accept their version of Islam, often at the point of death. In parts of Africa, the worship of Jesus can be a death sentence and in China, the Church is under strong pressure. Why? Because these governments want the ultimate allegiance of their people to be to them and an allegiance to Jesus is incompatible with that goal. 

Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego were turned in for refusing to bow before the golden image and the king gave them the chance to rethink their refusal with the threat that if they don’t bow down, they would immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.

The answer that these three men gave the king is instructive for all of us. “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O King. 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 3:16-18).

There are times in life where we just need to take a stand for Jesus and righteousness. It could be an employer who wants us to fudge the truth or engage in an unethical act. It may be friends who pressure us to join them in behavior that is antithetical to the Jesus life. Whatever it is, these are the times to join believers through the centuries who refuse to do that which is wrong or that displeases God, no matter what the consequences. 

Pray for believers in Afghanistan today who face this dilemma right now. Many will be beaten, imprisoned, and killed because they follow Jesus. Pray for them as they courageously take a stand for Jesus and refuse to convert to Islam. As you pray for them, ask God to give you the courage to do the right and Jesus thing even when you are pressured to do the opposite. Following Jesus is not a negotiated followership but one that puts Him first in all things. No matter what the cost. 

Father, I pray for those today in different parts of the world who are making a choice to follow you at huge personal cost and risk. I pray for those in Afghanistan today who will join the long line of martyrs because of their faith. And I pray that I would have the courage to choose you over any pressure to compromise my faith or righteous actions. Amen.