10/29/2007
Daniel 3:14 - 15 (HCSB)
14Nebuchadnezzar asked them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you don’t serve my gods or worship the gold statue I have set up? 15Now if you’re ready, when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, drum, and every kind of music, fall down and worship the statue I made. But if you don’t worship it, you will immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire—and who is the god who can rescue you from my power?”
The book of Daniel parallels Ezekiel in time. Daniel was carried into exile in 605 BC after Nebuchadnezzar besieged and overthrew Jerusalem. It was common belief that members of royalty and members of the priests were a higher order of person. Not just in social status, but they were considered inherently better, smarter, and wiser. So it is natural for the conquering king to seek members of the royal family and priests to serve in his own kingdom.
Daniel was one of those brought into king Nebuchadnezzar’s court. With him came Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah who were renamed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (respectively).
This particular story is probably familiar to you. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the huge idol that Nebuchadnezzar had set up and thus were thrown into the furnace. I chose this passage today because of Nebuchadnezzar’s question: “and who is the god who can rescue you from my power?”
Before they were thrown into the fire, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered,
Daniel 3:17 - 18 (HCSB) 17”If the God we serve exists, then He can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He can rescue us from the power of you, the king. 18But even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” (Emphasis added)
I once pondered whether it would be ok, to deny being a Christian to spare your own life. If a gun were held to your head and the person said you would live if you denied being a Christian. I thought that what I said with my mouth was not as important as what I said in my heart. I have come to a completely different opinion now.
I believe that what we say with our mouth is equally important as what we say with our hearts. Because God hears what we say in our hearts, but men hear what we say with our mouth. If we deny God simply to save ourselves, we are denying God the opportunity to be glorified. Perhaps He wishes to be glorified by saving us, and perhaps He wishes to be glorified by our last words giving praise to Him. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego believed their God could save them, yet if He chose not to, they would still remain devoted.
Our devotion must be unwavering. Our devotion must be consistent. If He is truly God of all things, then we are obligated to give Him nothing less than total devotion.
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
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