Here I Stand

I was reminded today of my own cowardice as I considered the massive amount of courage it must have taken Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to stand before King Nebuchadnezzar, look him in the eye, and respectfully dissent. I can't help but wonder what I would do if I were in their shoes. Their answer amazes me: "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up" (Dan. 3:17-18).

I also wonder how many times Martin Luther considered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as he traveled to the Diet of Worms. He had his own Nebuchadnezzar to face and humbly muttered, “Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”

For whom and for what will I stand? What matters more to me than life itself? What is non-negotiable? Lord, increase the convictions on which I'll stand and give me the courage with which to stand!

"To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 6:18b-20

"As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always, Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death." Philippians 1:20