Scripture

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied. “O Nebuchadnezzar, we don’t need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty

Observation

King Nebuchadnezzar has a statue of himself, some 27 metres high, set up on the plains adjacent to the city of Babylon. He decrees that at the sound of musical instruments, everybody must worship the statue.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are found to be ignoring this directive. So Nebuchadnezzar orders they be thrown into a fiery furnace. They tell him that their God is able to save them, but even if He does not save them, they will not worship the statue.

The men are thrown into the furnace, but the observers see not just the three men but another man also, one who looks like a god walking with them. So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are promoted to even greater positions of power.

Application

The faith of these men always astounds me. They refuse to disobey God’s commands to not worship idols. But when pressed, they express faith in God’s ability to save them in the furnace. However, even if God does not save them, there is no way that they will worship the statue. It is easy to be faithful to God in the small things of life. Choosing to obey God, rather than give in to sin is a fairly basic level of discipleship.

When we are faced with death, as the consequence of righteousness, it is a very big decision. We need to make. Will I save my flesh and potentially lose eternity?

It is in the life and death moments that our faith is greatly tested, But we cannot overcome that test until we have conquered the tests of daily temptations.

Prayer

Father, may I never have to make this kind of decision for you. Please help me to be faithful to you every day, so that when the time of testing comes I will stand firm. Amen.