“3 men’s words ”
I thought I knew the story…three friends and a fiery furnace, Daniel and the lions, all of it was familiar to me. But as I revisited the book of Daniel, I realized only knowing the gist of the story offers little room for relatability and application.
If you’re like me, you might need a refresher course in this part of the Bible. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel have been abducted from their homeland and brought to Babylon. I’m picturing pythons, huge towers, hanging vines and an eerie feeling lurking in the air as the four of them wearily march into the land. Nebuchadnezzar is the King of Babylon and well known for his fiery, non-relenting personality.
Chapter 3 tells us that King Nebuchadnezzar has demanded all people to bow in worship to his man-made statue in efforts to fuel his ego and feed his pride. Not only has he commanded everyone to come forth, but he has decreed anyone who does not obey to be burned to death and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are guilty as charged.
Let’s take a moment to absorb the severity of this situation. The phrase ‘do as I say or else’ leaves no room for question here. This king is the real deal, and the dilemma is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s unshakeable loyalty to their God. As the three of them are summoned before the king to answer for their lack of participation they choose this response…
“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from your majesty’s hand,” Daniel 3:16, 17.
Did you catch those three powerful words, “and he will?” Talk about some serious confidence in the Lord!
While most of us are not standing before an evil king dodging threats; we do face an enemy that hurls doubt, fear, and pride at us tempting us to submit to his ways. The enemy may be taunting you with fear for your health or consuming your thoughts with doubt over an uncertain outcome. What words are you responding with? Do you stand on your commitment to the Lord even when it’s scary? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t just believe in the one true God, they put their life in His hands and proclaimed it. Notice their words, “IF we are,” and “the God we serve IS able,” and most importantly, “AND He WILL.”
I truly believe these guys didn’t know how or when their deliverance from their situation would be known, but I do know they deeply knew who their God was-a reliant, faithful, trustworthy Father. They simply placed their faith in His plan, really believed in His ability to deliver when the time was right and placed their trust in His Sovereignty.
What trial is staring you in the face? What words have you chosen to speak or believe? I encourage you to consider these men’s responses. Speak these three words, “and He will,” then follow them with “never leave me, always love me, protect me, restore and guide me,” when the enemy tries to say otherwise. Share the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s powerful words with someone and remind others that the Bible is full of relatable moments.
Happy 4th of July! May we never take our freedom for granted and always hold gratitude in our hearts for those that sacrificed their lives for this freedom!
