JULY 05 Tues.

Even If He Does Not

Daniel 3:8-18 / "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." (18)

Hymn #263 I Hear the Savior Say (Unified Hymn 197)

[Message Video]
http://www.rutc.tv/language/rutc_cast/view.asp?id=4&num=303&pn=2&nat=en

Daniel's three friends were Remnants who had been prepared. God placed them in Babylon as disciples. Because they possessed the sure covenant, they didn't bow before the idol, but confessed that "even if He does not" as they were thrown into the fire. This is the Remnant's prepared faith. Because Remnants must prepare toward the Summit, they must gather on Saturdays and do Culture Camp"; "Talent Camp"; and "Prayer Camp." There are three reasons for this.

1. Remnants Must Receive Answers to Block the Crises of the Older Generation
The older generation had lost hold of its spiritual power. Because King Zedekiah lost his power, he faced a tragic incident when his eyes were gouged out, and he was dragged away. In addition, because of his inferior skills, he was captured by powerful nations. Right now, the sanctuary has been destroyed and churches have closed their doors. Accordingly, Remnants must nurture spiritual strength, skills, and the power to block crises.

2. Remnants Must Prepare to Go Out into the World
Powerful nations possess tremendous strength and powerful individuals torment others in many different ways. This was where the Israelites were taken as captives. Even now, Remnants must go out into the mighty world, but they don't possess power. However, Daniel's three friends possessed power for that moment. Having heard Isaiah's message, they had already prepared the "3 Camps." Like so, those who properly held onto the message had victory.

3. Remnants Must Stand as Witnesses When Spiritual Crises Come to All People
All idol-worshiping countries have always built idolatrous temples. Knowing this fact, the three friends refused to worship the idol. The hardship that they later faced was to reveal the covenant. They were thrown into the fire, but they didn't die; instead, they became witnesses and changed the king's heart. Ultimately, they made the king praise the Lord.

The words, "Even if He does not," is a confession of faith that Remnants must always possess. There are three kinds of answers. Answers that come immediately, answers that come after time passes, and answers that God doesn't give because He sees them as unnecessary. Regardless, all Remnants must begin praying.

Dear God, please give Remnants and Your people, who hold onto the covenant, spiritual power and skills to overcome the world. Let the words, "Even if He does not," which the three friends confessed before their crisis become my confession of faith. In Jesus Christ's name, I pray. Amen.