Bow or Burn
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:17-18
Could it be that Nebuchadnezzar's dream in chapter 2 still haunted him?
It seems so. In an attempt to outwit God, he erected a 90-foot golden image to ensure his kingdom would reign forever.
He then called all public officials to a dedication ceremony. This could be considered a test of loyalty to him and to root out those not loyal to his rule. The Chaldeans, who had a history of hate toward the Jews, reported that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego failed to bow.
While he probably didn't need much pushing, they approached it by way of using his words, "Didn't you say....". Their approach was for political gain and to destroy the standing of these Hebrew men. Their victory was brief, and the outcome was unexpected.
These three Hebrews did not make a public spectacle of their defiance to the king. Rather, they continued in their worship of God as always and refused to participate in the worship of the image. Their honor before God was of more value to them then the honor of man. While speaking to the king, they boldness to say we will burn before we bow showed the dedication of a life committed to serving the one true God. This was not something they chose to do last minute, but rather evidence of a relationship that spanned their entire lives. As they stood before the king, they didn't justify themselves, or beg for mercy. They were as gentle as Christ when He stood before Pilot. They knew God could save them from the fire, but only if He chose to. Whatever His will, they were willing.
Will we ever be called to make such a statement? I would love to say no, but with this old world is going, who knows. I do know that we are called to stand against sin every day and despite what it costs us: relationships, job opportunities, or even family, we must be willing to stand with God. How can we do this? Well, it won't be with a haphazard relationship. We must be committed to Him in all areas of our lives. We must be willing to suffer as we seek to honor Him.
C
Could it be that Nebuchadnezzar's dream in chapter 2 still haunted him?
It seems so. In an attempt to outwit God, he erected a 90-foot golden image to ensure his kingdom would reign forever.
He then called all public officials to a dedication ceremony. This could be considered a test of loyalty to him and to root out those not loyal to his rule. The Chaldeans, who had a history of hate toward the Jews, reported that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego failed to bow.
While he probably didn't need much pushing, they approached it by way of using his words, "Didn't you say....". Their approach was for political gain and to destroy the standing of these Hebrew men. Their victory was brief, and the outcome was unexpected.
These three Hebrews did not make a public spectacle of their defiance to the king. Rather, they continued in their worship of God as always and refused to participate in the worship of the image. Their honor before God was of more value to them then the honor of man. While speaking to the king, they boldness to say we will burn before we bow showed the dedication of a life committed to serving the one true God. This was not something they chose to do last minute, but rather evidence of a relationship that spanned their entire lives. As they stood before the king, they didn't justify themselves, or beg for mercy. They were as gentle as Christ when He stood before Pilot. They knew God could save them from the fire, but only if He chose to. Whatever His will, they were willing.
Will we ever be called to make such a statement? I would love to say no, but with this old world is going, who knows. I do know that we are called to stand against sin every day and despite what it costs us: relationships, job opportunities, or even family, we must be willing to stand with God. How can we do this? Well, it won't be with a haphazard relationship. We must be committed to Him in all areas of our lives. We must be willing to suffer as we seek to honor Him.
C
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