2011-02-14 - What Would Shadrach Say?

What Would They Say Series #8

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command, and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God." (Daniel 3:28)

Meshach, Abednego, and I should have known Nebuchadnezzar's officials would have told on us. Not that we mind. We weren't ashamed of believing in God instead of a gold statue. It was amazing to see all those people bowing to a large object. The thing must have been 90 feet tall!

King Nebuchadnezzar was mad that we were going against him. His ego took a beating that day. We could not worship a statue, when we believe in a holy God. We had to follow our principles, what we know in our gut to be true and right. The king did not really want to punish us and throw us in the furnace. We got that impression, when he gave us another chance. We told him that wouldn't change anything, and that the three of us would not be bowing to a fake god anytime soon.

That did it. He was not just mad; he was furious. We never saw his face so red before. Into the furnace we went, bound tightly with ropes. The flames were so intense; it was seven times hotter than usual. The soldiers who threw us in the furnace were killed. It was not a fun experience, but good came out of it, because King Nebuchadnezzar saw how God cared for us. An angel was in the furnace with us. When the king saw that he got us out - pronto.

We suffered no burns or scratches. We did not even smell of smoke! King Nebuchadnezzar made a law that people who said anything bad against God would be severely punished. It was great to see how God made everything right. We even got job promotions, and prospered well in Babylon.

Lord, no matter what happens, I know You will not let me down. When things seem impossible, I look to You, God. Please come to my rescue when the heat is turned on me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Has your authority ever been threatened? Describe what happened.

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