“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18 NLT
This is another famous story that children learned in Sunday School or summer VBS (vacation Bible School). These children’s learning opportunities were a hit in the era when school was cool.
What a scene right? 90 foot tall by 9 foot wide statue layered in GOLD! Wow. And, in all places to erect it – Babylon. The great city of Babylon – what a history, what an eerie future. A city, symbolic of human’s greatest accomplishments WITHOUT God.
A glorious moment for the globe’s most power leader at the time. Ruling for 43 years, Nebuchadnezzar was the longest-reigning king of the Chaldean dynasty. Being a world renowned dictator, it would not be unusual to have a massive statue built, nor would it be strange to have that statue worshipped in reverence for the king’s great power, wealth and influence. Israel’s disobedience led them into exactly what they seemed to desire so badly. They wanted to disobey God, wishing to be like other nations, wanting to worship images of wood, stone or even gold. Well, here’s the opportunity. Live it up for a 70 year timeout and think about the true God you abandoned! And
This was a big moment. The big statue was built and EVERYONE was commanded to bow! The band plays, the music is heard, all throughout the land, and the time comes for everyone to bow…. and worship the massive statue. But not everyone obeyed. Not everyone went along with the order. Three out of thousands decided they would not do it.
Three Jewish young men, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (re-named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) knew the king’s command, heard the music, but would not bow. And they must have made it obvious because some snarky snitches, the local Chaldeans, ratted the men out to the king, saying “They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:12. Nebuchadnezzar was furious, to the point that Daniel records, “he flew into a rage.”
The young men were brought in and the king asks them if it was true. He even gave them another chance – bow or be burned! I think it was something that the king said that may have strengthened the guys resolve. Nebuchadnezzar said, “I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?” It may have been that last question. The most powerful human on the planet at that time declared himself more powerful than the one true God, who created everything that exists! Neb believed that life and death was in his hands and that he could spare or destroy whom he pleases. These young men had enough wisdom to know that it was not true.
God had used this king to do His will and no power on heaven or earth can stop the will of God. The boys had decided they were going to take this all the way to their death if necessary. Neb thought they were calling his bluff. “Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual.” It was so hot that the soldiers ordered to put the men in the furnace were killed instantly from the intense heat. Once INSIDE the massive kiln, they walked around until they were met by Jesus himself.
This is a powerful story reminding us of God’s power to sustain and protect, even in the most dire circumstances. However, the young men’s declaration still holds absolute truth today. It’s a difficult truth in our physical, finite understanding of life, but it is quite astounding when we think about eternity. Even if he doesn’t save us… we will never serve another! If I live, great! More time to do what God has called me to do. If I die, even better (The Apostle Paul reminds us)! For to live is Christ, to die is gain! Philippians 1:21.
Prayer
Dad,
Whew. What a story of faith and resolve at such a young age! Even being raised in captivity, with their names changed, new lives, new jobs, new friends, they still recognized you as their One True God. And what a story they had to tell. Their simple act of civil disobedience eventually led to Neb’s declaration of who you are and even his mental collapse trying to reconcile your power with his real purpose as king. Even Neb discovered who was really in control! Wild thoughts for today’s culture and the ridiculous arrogance among our political, educational, health and science leaders – thinking they have the power to control life and death.