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ministry of
Stephen &
Brooksyne
Weber
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Thursday,
January 25, 2024
This
morning we
drove by a
tree that
Rick, a friend
of ours told
us about, Lancaster
County's 'Old
Sycamore'.
It is
estimated to
be some 350
years old! In
our 23 years
here in
Lancaster
County and
searching out
interesting
sights we had
never seen
this. See
below for a
photo of the
sign.
(Click on photo to enlarge)
(Click on photo to enlarge)
"Unshakable
Confidence"
Note:
This week we
are sharing a
four part
series based
upon four
characteristics
demonstrated
by Daniel,
Hananiah,
Mishael and
Azariah. Our
previous
messages were
"Uncompromising
Convictions",
"Unwavering
Commitment",
"Unswerving
Courage".
Tomorrow's
message we
will consider
another in the
fire.
Message summary: Today we need to demonstrate an attitude of "But if not" faith, and we know many who are doing so. We can indeed have "Unshakable Confidence"!
Message summary: Today we need to demonstrate an attitude of "But if not" faith, and we know many who are doing so. We can indeed have "Unshakable Confidence"!
Listen
to our message
on your audio
player.
"Shadrach,
Meshach, and
Abednego
answered and
said to the
king, “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”
(Daniel
3:16-18).
Today let us examine a three word phrase in the latter part of today's text, "But If Not". We feel this is one of the greatest faith proclamations in the Bible. It was uttered by three courageous young men whose story is recorded in the book of Daniel. Their testimony is an extraordinary example of uncompromising allegiance to the Almighty God in the face of our relentless enemy.
The account of these men of faith is surely one of the greatest acts of deliverance recorded in Scripture. It demonstrates to believers of all ages the incredible power of faith, courage and obedience. They got into serious trouble because they refused to compromise a core commandment of God in bowing down to the 90 foot tall golden image Nebuchadnezzar had set up. The consequence for failing to comply to the king’s command was being thrown into a fiery furnace.
The three Hebrew men (boys, likely older teenagers) were given a final opportunity to submit to the king's edict but instead they boldly declared, “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.”
Most of you have heard the story often, perhaps even from your early Sunday School years, and you remember it for the amazing deliverance that took place. Brooksyne remembers often looking at a picture depicting the scene in her grandparents' Bible, back when many Bibles included artistry depicting famous Bible stories such as the Crossing of the Red Sea, Moses with the Ten Commandments, Jesus born in the Manger and so forth.
Today let us examine a three word phrase in the latter part of today's text, "But If Not". We feel this is one of the greatest faith proclamations in the Bible. It was uttered by three courageous young men whose story is recorded in the book of Daniel. Their testimony is an extraordinary example of uncompromising allegiance to the Almighty God in the face of our relentless enemy.
The account of these men of faith is surely one of the greatest acts of deliverance recorded in Scripture. It demonstrates to believers of all ages the incredible power of faith, courage and obedience. They got into serious trouble because they refused to compromise a core commandment of God in bowing down to the 90 foot tall golden image Nebuchadnezzar had set up. The consequence for failing to comply to the king’s command was being thrown into a fiery furnace.
The three Hebrew men (boys, likely older teenagers) were given a final opportunity to submit to the king's edict but instead they boldly declared, “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.”
Most of you have heard the story often, perhaps even from your early Sunday School years, and you remember it for the amazing deliverance that took place. Brooksyne remembers often looking at a picture depicting the scene in her grandparents' Bible, back when many Bibles included artistry depicting famous Bible stories such as the Crossing of the Red Sea, Moses with the Ten Commandments, Jesus born in the Manger and so forth.
But
going into it
the three
Hebrews did
not know what
the outcome
would be so
their
faith-based
resolve was
not dependent
on the
deliverance
they
experienced.
They knew
ultimately
that it was
God whom they
would answer
to. Their
training as
earnest,
faithful Jews
clearly
stipulated
that bowing
down to an
idol was
forbidden.
"If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace." Notice the phrase, "our God whom we serve". This likely infuriated Nebuchadnezzar who was accustomed to demanding the service and even worship from his subjects.
"If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace." Notice the phrase, "our God whom we serve". This likely infuriated Nebuchadnezzar who was accustomed to demanding the service and even worship from his subjects.
"[God]
is able to
deliver us
from the
burning fiery
furnace".
Indeed He is
able to do all
things, for He
is a
supernatural,
miracle
working God.
But what follows is a three word phrase that powerfully demonstrates their unconditional, unwavering faith, "but if not". Some versions word it, "But even if He does not". In other words, though all things are possible with God, if He chooses to work in another way, "be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up".
We
know the Bible
events of
deliverance
such as the
fiery furnace
or further on
with Daniel in
the lion's
den. These
events are
recounted
later in the
Book of
Hebrews in the
"Faith
Chapter" and
specifically
alluded to in
this portion,
"And what
more shall I
say? For time
will fail me
if I tell of
Gideon, Barak,
Samson,
Jephthah, of
David and
Samuel and the
prophets, who
by faith
conquered
kingdoms,
performed acts
of
righteousness,
obtained
promises, shut
the mouths of
lions,
quenched the
power of fire,
escaped the
edge of the
sword, from
weakness were
made strong,
became mighty
in war, put
foreign armies
to flight.
Women received
back their
dead by
resurrection"
(Hebrews
12:32-35a).
The author is
summarizing
here that God
accomplished
His will in
the lives of
His faithful
followers by
providing
deliverance of
various sorts.
But midway through verse 35 the outcome, as it pertains to this earthly life, changes into cringeworthy deeds of persecution and martyrdom described in the following examples, "others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground" (Hebrews 12:35b-38).
The Bible also has this record with those such as John the Baptist, Stephen, and James who were martyred while faithfully serving God. They were not delivered in the same sense as that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But ultimately they were delivered!
But no matter the circumstances God is no more or less God, no more or less powerful, no more or less faithful, no more or less good, no more or less merciful.
But what follows is a three word phrase that powerfully demonstrates their unconditional, unwavering faith, "but if not". Some versions word it, "But even if He does not". In other words, though all things are possible with God, if He chooses to work in another way, "be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up".
We
know the Bible
events of
deliverance
such as the
fiery furnace
or further on
with Daniel in
the lion's
den. These
events are
recounted
later in the
Book of
Hebrews in the
"Faith
Chapter" and
specifically
alluded to in
this portion,
"And what
more shall I
say? For time
will fail me
if I tell of
Gideon, Barak,
Samson,
Jephthah, of
David and
Samuel and the
prophets, who
by faith
conquered
kingdoms,
performed acts
of
righteousness,
obtained
promises, shut
the mouths of
lions,
quenched the
power of fire,
escaped the
edge of the
sword, from
weakness were
made strong,
became mighty
in war, put
foreign armies
to flight.
Women received
back their
dead by
resurrection"
(Hebrews
12:32-35a).
The author is
summarizing
here that God
accomplished
His will in
the lives of
His faithful
followers by
providing
deliverance of
various sorts.But midway through verse 35 the outcome, as it pertains to this earthly life, changes into cringeworthy deeds of persecution and martyrdom described in the following examples, "others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground" (Hebrews 12:35b-38).
The Bible also has this record with those such as John the Baptist, Stephen, and James who were martyred while faithfully serving God. They were not delivered in the same sense as that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But ultimately they were delivered!
But no matter the circumstances God is no more or less God, no more or less powerful, no more or less faithful, no more or less good, no more or less merciful.
Our
narrow,
temporal
outlook may be
"skewed"
because we can
only see this
side of heaven
but as we
consider God
in the eternal
realm we
realize that
He is working
for our
eternal good,
no matter
what. As the
oft repeated
phrase from
years ago
states, "God
is good all
the time, and
all the time
God is good."
Today we need to demonstrate an attitude of, "but if not" faith, and we know many who are doing just that. If we exhibit that kind of faith we too will have "Unshakable Confidence"!
Today we need to demonstrate an attitude of, "but if not" faith, and we know many who are doing just that. If we exhibit that kind of faith we too will have "Unshakable Confidence"!
Be
encouraged
today,
Hebrews
3:13
Stephen
&
Brooksyne
Weber
Daily prayer:
Father,
the dynamic
story of the
three Hebrew
men speaks of
Your
miraculous
deliverance
for all ages
and throughout
all
generations.
Their
unyielding
devotion to
You is a
tremendous
model to those
of us who call
You our
Father. It is
by testing
that we are
strengthened
and conformed
into your
likeness.
Trials come
upon us to
produce
perseverance,
build
character, and
draw us closer
to Jesus. They
also enable us
to help others
in similar
situations and
because of our
own personal
experience we
have a greater
sense of how
to help and
pray for them
in their hour
of need. We
love You,
Father, and
want to be
found faithful
no matter the
circumstance.
We declare
that "All
things are
possible with
God" while
also having a
"nevertheless
not my will,
but Thine be
done" for the
glory of God.
Amen.* Such confidence we have through Christ before God. (2 Corinthians 3:4)
* In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
* So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. (Hebrews 10:35)
Today's
Suggested
Music and
Supplemental
Resources
"He
Is Able"
Watch
on YouTube
Maranatha
Singers
"Yes
I Will"
Watch
on YouTube
Vertical
Worship
The
sign for
Lancaster
County's 'Old
Sycamore'
Last
night I looked
down and saw
our three dogs
sharing a
small bed.
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In considering support we are so pleased when we hear from you, our readers, that our messages are a source of teaching and encouragement to you. We also urge you to consider the mission aspect of these daily teachings that are freely available and read by many all over the world.
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Weber
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To
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(This will
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Stephen and
Brooksyne
Weber -
700001-237376
serving in
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Encouragement
is our
endorsed
special
chaplaincy
ministry).Thank
you,
Stephen & Brooksyne
Stephen & Brooksyne
2024
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version and a variety of other versions.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
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