Dan 3:17 “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. Dan 3:18 “But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Dan 3:19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Therefore he spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.
The story of the three youths who refused to do wrong during the Babylonian captivity has a lesson for everyone. When the king Nebuchadnezzar set up the golden image, he did not only direct that everyone fall down and worship it, he also set a punishment for those who failed to do so. Those who disobeyed the command would be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.
When called upon to confirm to Nebuchadnezzar if it was true that they had refused to fall down and worship the golden image, they stood their ground. They considered better to lose even their own lives than pay allegiance to another deity. They had confidence that God will deliver them from the King’s hand. But even if he choose not to, they still would not bow and worship the image.
Occasionally , we will find ourselves in a ” catch – 22″ situation. We must always purpose to do the right thing regardless of the prevailing circumstances. Isa 35:4 Say to those who are fearful – hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
Further readings:
Gen 39:10-17
Dan 6:5-12
Dan 3:28
🙏 Blessed weekend 🙏