Either Way!

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 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.”  Daniel 3:16-18

These three young Israelite men had been been taken into captivity by Babylon during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. They were known for their wisdom and knowledge. They were appointed under the leadership of Daniel as counselors and wise men to the king.

 As was common, Nebuchadnezzar built a golden image and a law was decreed that the people must bow to his idol. Anyone refusing to bow to this idol would be thrown into the fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow and as a result the King’s anger raged. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual. The fire was so hot that as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the furnace the soldiers were killed from the intense heat. 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego escape the heat of the fire, protected  by an angel. They are retrieved from the furnace without even a hair on their heads singed or the smell of smoke on their clothing. Nebuchadnezzar praises the God of these young men and the Israelites are granted freedom to worship without conforming to the king’s decree. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are given a promotion.

There are many aspects to consider in this account, but what amazes me is the confidence that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego exhibit in verses 16-18. They declare that God is able to deliver them from death. But even if he chooses not to save them from death they will not bow to Nebuchanezzar’s idol. These men were steadfast. They were rock solid! Nothing was going to shake their faith. There was no guarantee that God would preserve their lives. But they knew that their eternity was secure in God’s hands. Though the fire rage, they stepped out in faith, and yet they were untouched. 

We often find ourselves in a raging fire. Situations loom around us: a marriage on the brink, a prodigal child, failed health, financial stress, addictions. The list is endless. Faith becomes real when in these situations we trust God to deliver us. We do not know the outcome, but we confidently stand on His promises. While the fire raged, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walked in the furnace untouched. You see, God may not change your situation, but you can rise above it and come out unharmed. Your spouse may not choose to love you, your finances may go from bad to worse, or your health continue to fail. But in the fire, you can experience God’s deliverance! And like King Nebuchadnezzer, those around you will see God’s work. And they too will be changed! Praises to our God!

Related Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:58, Matthew 22:36-40, Exodus 20:3-4