As the war in Ukraine unfolds, I can’t help but admire the steadfast resolve of the Ukrainian people to resist the Russian invasion. Many of them would rather die than submit to Russian authority.
The president of Ukraine, President Zelensky, has displayed remarkable leadership and courage to rally his people, raise world-wide awareness of his country’s plight and mobilise international support. He embodies a person who is both a man of action and words.
Pictures of Ukrainian civilians walking in front of Russian tanks and bringing a tank to a halt in an act of defiance are particularly chilling.
Stories of women and children staying together as a family in the ruins of the Mariupol steelworks, with little food and water and under constant bombardment, display an intense resolve and unity of purpose.
These acts of courage bring admiration and raise some important questions.
Do I have a cause I am prepared to die for?
Would I be prepared to die for my country?
What are my red lines? The lines that I will refuse to cross.
And how far am I prepared to go for my faith?
In this world thousands of Christians are being persecuted and killed every day for their faith in Jesus Christ and I ask myself.
Would I be prepared to be persecuted and killed in the name of Jesus Christ?
The blazing furnace
One of the most powerful stories in the Bible displaying courage and conviction is the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
After being exiled to Babylon they refused to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s image of gold and had to bear the consequences of their decision. Furious with rage at their refusal Nebuchadnezzar threatened to throw them into a blazing furnace.
They responded:
Daniel chapter 3, verses 17-18
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
This response made Nebuchadnezzar even more angry and he ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual.
Once Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the blazing furnace, King Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace and leaped to his feet in amazement.
Daniel chapter 3, verse 25
“He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.””
Jesus walked with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fire and the fire did not harm their bodies and they emerged without a hair singed.
This led Nebuchadnezzar to praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The king had a complete change of heart.
Refuge and shelter
This story can give us an immense set of comfort. No matter how dire our circumstances, God will protect us and be our refuge and shelter.
I wrote a song about this called Refuge and Shelter.
There is no darkness in heaven
Not even a shadow
Cast a light on His face he’s everywhere
There is no sadness in Heaven
Not even a shadow
The sound of All Saints bring joy in the air
I would rather be ashes than dust
To be on fire in your trust
I would rather be ashes than dust
Blazing your love your love
You create the shelter and shade from the heat of the day
And a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain
Isn’t this what our lives are to be?
A life of surrender, already paid for so God can use us to make an impact in ashes rather than scattered dust.
And after all, we can’t be threatened with heaven.
Wayne worked in the media for more than 30 years before leaving to follow a call to set up The Daily Encourager, a values based media showcasing the best of New Zealand society. He has a passion for Jesus, enjoys walking, ball sports, the arts and song writing.
