Daniel 3:8-18 (ESV)
Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. They declared to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! You, O king, have made a decree, that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”
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.”
Explanation:
This popular passage in Scripture is often referred to when one’s faith is being discussed. The faith that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego possessed was supernatural. They knew God and His voice, and they had an authentic relationship with Him. They sought Him daily, without ceasing, at numerous times during their day.
These three men, among others, were brought from Israel when the Babylonian Empire conquered them. They were young, intelligent men who were educated and raised in Babylonian culture. When King Nebuchadnezzar had a giant statue built, he demanded that the people of his kingdom worship the golden image. This policy was strictly against the Jewish law that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego followed. The three men knew the penalty of not worshiping the statue, which was being thrown in a blazing furnace, but that didn’t matter. Their integrity and faith in God were more important. They knew the consequence of their decision, but God was greater. They were prepared to die for what they knew was the right response 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.”
The answer that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego gave to the king was their moment of stepping out in faith. No matter what happened, they were not going to waiver in their decision to obey God’s law. They literally prayed, “God, YOUR WILL be done in this NO MATTER what happens to us.” I can’t help but read this and put myself in their shoes. It’s a terrifying circumstance. How would I respond if I were in their situation? Would I keep my mouth shut in fear of death, or would I stand up for what I believe in? Thankfully, I have never had to be in a situation where my beliefs could get me killed, but I do want to have a faith that is bold. A real boldness…to declare in the face of danger that God is real, knowing it could cost me everything.
The outcome for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego was also extraordinary. God appeared as Jesus and was seen with the three men in the fire, protecting them. Nebuchadnezzar realized that the God of Israel was the only true God, and praised them for their unwavering faith. That’s the kind of faith I want, but it doesn’t just happen. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had authenticity with God and had seen Him work miracles in the past. They knew the stories of their people’s history and how God worked through His people. But they were also prepared to be martyred for their faith, knowing God would use that story as well. How would you respond when God asks you to take a stance for Him?
Application:
The story of the fiery furnace is one of tremendous faith in God in light of the immediate possibility of death. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were about to die for their beliefs. You may never face death for what you believe in, but how can this story encourage your faith, that no matter the circumstance, God will use everything for His glory?
When have you had an opportunity to share your faith with others but didn’t? Ask God to give you more chances to share with people how knowing Jesus has changed your life.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow down to the golden statue, even though everyone else did, because it was against everything they believed in. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to make a decision in faith knowing it may not be the most popular?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for always showing up in Your time. Thank You for Your mercy and forgiving me when I make mistakes. I know I sometimes don’t represent You as well as I should, but show me Your ways. Help me to have the faith that knows, no matter what, You have a plan and purpose for my life. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.
For Further Study:
Read the entire account of the fiery furnace in Daniel 3:8-30.