Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - three names well known to those who have cut their teeth on the Bible. Many of us first heard their story when we were small children from Daniel 3. But it’s much more than a children’s story. It’s the record of three men of God who were determined to do the right thing, no matter what.

The three along with Daniel were young men chosen from among the other captives from Judah to be in the king's personal service. The king, Nebuchadnezzar, with his ego in overdrive, had built a statue of gold, some 90' tall and 9' wide. The day of dedication was quite a celebration. Everyone was summoned to be there. The command was simple—when the music starts playing, everybody fall down and worship the statue, if you don't you get thrown into the furnace. Who's going to refuse a deal like that? No big deal, right? You bow down, maybe mouth some words of insincere reverence to the king's god and you go your merry way. Nobody says you have to mean it. Just do it. Don't rock the boat and get on with your life. Simple, right? Well, not quite.

The music starts, the people bow, the worship commences and, wait a minute, who are those three guys standing over there? Some of the king's yes-men make a beeline to Nebuchadnezzar to tattle on Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The king commands they be brought to him. One more chance to save their hides. Maybe it was just a big misunderstanding. Bow to the statue and live or don't and die. Here's their answer, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.” (Daniel 3:16-17) The king gets hot, the fire gets hotter, our heroes are tied up and tossed in. A little bit later, out they come. They're as healthy as ever and don't even smell smokey. God did exactly what they believed he would. But what made their stand especially bold was the last part that I left off. This, I think, is what really sent the king over the edge. They had stated their belief that God would deliver them from him. But then this, “But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:18). That wasn’t a taunt. That was the truth. And it ends with the king praising the one, true God.

There are many people who feel bold and courageous as long as they think God will do what they want him to do. But what about when he doesn’t? Is your faith in God such that you’ll not only stick to him when he brings you through unscathed but also when you are scathed? Jesus said, “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! (Luke 12:4-5)

Since our only experience is limited to this life it's hard for us to fathom what could be worse than death. What is worse is hell after death. You can't always avoid death. You can avoid hell. And it’s up to no one but you because Christ is already for you. To those who were about to be persecuted by Rome Jesus said, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). This body is temporal and destined for death, one way or another. But the promise of God to the faithful is life everlasting with him after this life is over.

The faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego was set squarely in God, whether he did or didn't do as they wanted. How about yours?

God bless you,

Brad Fry