Nebuchadnezzar erected a huge golden image in Babylon, representing the god Nabu, for whom Nebuchadnezzar was named. Nebuchadnezzar wanted everyone in Babylon to worship the image. But Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused.
These men had done well in Babylon; they’d made good lives for themselves and had enjoyed the king’s favor. But when this situation arose, there was no room for negotiation; they couldn’t do what the king commanded.
As servants of Christ, there ought to be some things that we just won’t do. As much as possible, we should live at peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14). But there ought to be some things for which there’s no room for negotiation. Some things may be legal, popular and pervasive, but we must be guided by a Higher Power and led by a different Spirit.
When word came to Nebuchadnezzar that these men would not bow, he threatened to burn them alive: “I’m going to put you into the fiery furnace, and I want to see what god will be able to save you.”
People will always try to get us to bow down—to their way of thinking, their attitudes, their behavior. But faith becomes real when it demands that we stand against sin and the prevailing power that often accompanies it.
These men answered with faith: “Our God can deliver us from the fire. But even if God doesn’t; it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, we still wouldn’t serve your gods.” And God did deliver them.
Faith doesn’t depend on the outcome. Faith says, “No matter what happens, I’m going to serve God anyhow.”
Don’t let the fire consume you; don’t let the pressure break you; don’t let the burden overcome you; don’t let enemies defeat you. Hold on to your faith. You’re not alone. You have a Partner in your fiery furnace.
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