Re:Verse reading–Daniel 3:1-2, 8-18, 25-29 (day two)
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. Vs 16
I won’t know what to say. I don’t know enough scripture. I always think of the answer after the argument, but by then it’s too late. Have you ever thought these thoughts when trying to defend your faith? Who hasn’t? There is certainly a time for each of us to become bold apologists for the cause of Christ, and in those moments we can rely on the Holy Spirit to direct our thoughts and words.
What about those other times? Those times when you are speaking to someone with no inclination to open their heart to truth. They are arguing to be heard, or to be right, or to make you look/feel foolish. Perhaps then we should look at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abenego. They knew their cause would fall on deaf ears. Not amount of testimony would change the king’s mind. They simply kept silent, and let the Lord convict his heart. Come to think of it, that sounds a lot like Jesus doesn’t it. Lead before Herod, Pilate, the ruling council he knew they would not be moved by his words. So he let his silence, and his actions on the cross change the hearts of humanity forever. Sometimes the sound of silence is the loudest of all.
Thank you for your wise words, Aaron. Some years ago my doctor told me that he wasn’t a Christian because he was a scientist. My first inclination was to reply, ” I am sorry.” I didn’t say anything because I knew he wouldn’t hear hear anything I had to say and I didn’t want to get into a verbal sparing match with him.
Your words have blessed me tonight.
Charlotte Anderson