But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. The people waited for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw that he wasn’t harmed, they changed their minds and decided he was a god. (Acts 28:5-6)
Taking a stand for God, regardless of the consequences, positions us to have influence over the world and creates opportunities to make our God known. This is clearly seen in the lives of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Perhaps Nebuchadnezzar didn’t fully grasp that the God who revealed his dreams and their interpretation through Daniel is the same God his friends served—or if he did, he had forgotten just how powerful He truly is.
In this instance, these men brought the king again to a place of reverence for God.
They reached a point where their lives was too small a price to pay for taking a stand for God. Even if it meant perishing, they remained determined to honor Him, no matter the cost.
What followed this kairos moment was even greater influence. Daniel 3:30 says, “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.”
I believe that not only did the king decide that Yahweh is the one true God, but many others must have also come to that realization and even begun to serve Him. In fact, Nebuchadnezzar ordered that no one speak a word against the God of these men, declaring, “There is no God who can rescue like this!”
I imagine people casting off their idols for a more powerful God—after all, isn’t it the natural tendency of man to gravitate toward power?
Let’s look at Nebuchadnezzar’s words in Daniel 4, which he ordered to be sent to the entire world. At the point of this declaration, he had finally learned his lesson, turned to God, and acknowledged Him as the one true God. He said “I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me. How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations.”
Similarly, during the reign of King Darius, a decree was issued declaring that Yahweh, the God of Daniel, is the living God. This happened because of Daniel’s unwavering stand for God (Daniel 6:26-28).
In essence, the signs that followed Daniel brought him into a place of influence over the king and by extension the whole world!
King after king came and went, but one man remained standing—Daniel. His influence spanned through multiple reigns and rulers because he trusted God and boldly identified with Him without shame.
These signs come with Influence!
This is why Jesus ensures that signs follow those who believe. Scripture says, “These signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils, heal the sick, raise the dead, drink deadly poison, tread on snakes and scorpions…”
These signs are not merely demonstrations of power; they bring us into positions of influence over the people of the world. Naturally, you gain the attention of the man whose eyes you heal. You have the ear of the dead man’s family when you bring him back to life. You will undoubtedly have the attention of those who poisoned your cup or food and watched you stand strong like nothing happened after consuming it.
Consider Paul’s experience when he and other prisoners were on their way to Rome. Unfavorable weather forced them to make several stopovers, one of which was on the island of Malta. While there, a poisonous snake bit Paul on the hand. Everyone who saw it expected him to swell up and drop dead instantly.
But we thank God for His promise: “You will tread upon snakes and scorpions, and nothing shall by any means harm you.” This moment was a living testament to that promise!
Acts 28:5 says, “But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and was unharmed.”
When the people saw this, they immediately concluded that Paul must be a god. This event captured their attention and opened the door for Paul to share about the true God.
Shortly after, Paul healed the father of the chief official of the island. As word spread, people from all over the island brought their sick to him, and he healed them. This not only brought honor to Paul but also tremendous influence.
If Paul were to return to that island, without doubt, they would welcome him and eagerly listen to anything he had to say. This encounter was more than just a miracle—it was a divine opportunity for influence and the spread of the gospel. (Acts 28:7-10). This is True Influence.
In summary, stand firm for God—be bold and unashamed of Him. Embrace His promises of protection as you go about His work. Keep your focus on bringing glory to His name, and He will bring you before nobles.
