“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 3:18
The above verse is a very convicting one for me. It’s from a story we’ve probably all heard since childhood––Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and the fiery furnace. That was always an intriguing one for kids. But as an adult, I’ve recently been amazed at some of the aspects of this story––this verse being one of them.
As the story goes, King Nebuchadnezzar set up an image to be worshiped (90 feet high, mind you). However, knowing full well the consequences of disobeying the king’s command––a very fiery death––Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow down to the statue. First, I’m amazed and challenged by their obedience to another King, and their courage to remain steadfast. Imagine how hard it would be to look around at all the others and see them falling to their knees in worship to this false god. It would be very tempting to justify doing the same.
However, they stay on their feet. And when questioned by the king, they give an astounding response. They boldly state that God is able to save them from his fiery punishment, but that even if He does not save them, they will obey and serve only Him. That is trust. Knowing that God is able to answer our prayers, but also deciding that even if He doesn’t answer in the way we want, we will still serve only Him. They did not back down, even if they didn’t like what the result might be. We need to strive to have the faith of those three, and to stand up for God no matter what the possible earthly outcome. Luke 9:25: “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?”
By Lisa Grimenstein
Speak Your Mind