1 God in the First PlaceSample

THE HONOR OF FIRST PLACE

"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, saying, We need not answer you on this matter” (Dan. 3:16).

Key thought: "Those who choose to always honor God regardless of adversity will always be honored by Him regardless of the circumstance."

Pride, power, and greed had impetuously captivated his heart from an early age. So, he set out to conquer and build the best and greatest works, monuments, and gardens that characterized the great Babylon of the seventh century BC. His name is familiar to you, isn't it? Nebuchadnezzar.

Among the nations he faced was Israel. It was customary that when conquering these peoples, the possible rulers of these were taken captive; thus, Daniel, Mishael, Ananias, and Azariah (and many others) were princes of the people, that is, sons of kings. These were educated, trained, and instructed in the new customs of the nation to which they now belonged. About three years of academic preparation.

Of course, it didn't mean they had the principles in common. These were monotheists, while the Chaldeans worshipped a series of gods, the main one being Marduk(creator god and lord of heaven and earth, and who also determined the destiny of gods and men.). As for the Hebrew youth, God was honored in their lives, having the first, best, and last place. Moreover, although surrounded by a spiritually corrupted environment, they never allowed God to be displaced. Babylon was not part of them, although they were part of Babylon. That is, the influence of their God was greater than the customs of the environment.

That is why the faith of the young people was tested so that they faced an adverse situation in which their lives were in grave danger. The pagan king built a large statue to which homage was to be paid. All were obliged to do so, it was an order of the king, the supreme, and those who did not obey this were condemned to death through a hot journey of never returning in a furnace that was prepared waiting for them with anxious desires to meet them.

The firm decree had been established that the moment the musicians exercised their function in unison, all were ready to bend their knees and worship the golden statue. Amazingly, there were in the whole crowd three young men who, standing, demonstrated one and unquestioning to Godamidsuch an act of idolatry. There were Ananias, Mishael, and Azariah, not defying an order but obeying a command that transcended human laws. That is, putting God first.

These were brought before the king, who questioned them as to the action of which he had learned. These young men firmly expressed the words of today's verse that everyone knows very well: "We don't need to answer you on this matter." Although they were thrown into the furnace, God honored the young people in public. Inside this, Jesus appeared and freed them from the burning flames of the furnace. So life or death? Faithful to God or men? On the part of the Law of heaven or those of earth?

The Hebrew youth did not decide on God's honor in the first place based on emotion or presumption. They knew the conduct of the Lord they served. His decisions showed only the constancy of genuine dependence on Him, on His promises and providence. The honor of first place for God translates into the vindication of His character in the great controversy on the part of those who have been saved. By the way, as we take care of your reputation, ours is assured.

There are decisions you must make that will have repercussions of life for life or death for death. Decide today for Jesus, honor him in everything you do, and you will see that he will not stop accompanying you on your walk. Honor him, and he will honor you.

God bless you.

-Nirson Castillo is an associate pastor in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.