“But some of the astrologers went to the king and informed on the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “Long live the king! You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments. That decree also states that those who refuse to obey must be thrown into a blazing furnace. But there are some Jews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. 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.” Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? 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?” 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 3:8-18 NLT
Daniel 3 and the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego compromise some of the most empowering verses in all of scripture. Here we see what it looks like to stand in respectful, but bold opposition to those who oppose God. Their stance is to be studied because it walks the line of rebellion without falling over it. Together they manage to stand in submission to the King while standing in submission to the God he opposed. Their willingness to not simply discern, but to also defy is something increasingly missing from the modern man. Their willingness to defy with respect speaks volumes about their understanding of Gods ultimate sovereignty, even in the hands of Nebedchednezzar. As we stand for our faith, we ought to remember them. We ought to learn that standing firm does not mean mindless defiance, and that defiance doesn’t mean disrespect. We must learn to understand when something is either, and navigate the difference between the two. We must be ready to face the consequences, even without our friends or strongest members around. Hopefully, none of us will have to experience the strength of circumstances under which our faith is tested, but if it should happen, let us speak with such respectful boldness.
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