If we are thrown into the blazing furnace....

Daniel has some of the most amazing stories in the Bible. They have very eye-popping visual images. This is one of those. Chapter 3 tells of three people who were taken captive to Babylon where they (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) were commanded to bow down to the giant gold statue that Nebuchadnezzar had built. They were to bow to it.....or be thrown into the blazing furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not..... something about the second commandment. (Exodus 20:4-6 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.)

When confronted with death by blazing furnace, or life bowing to a gold statue, they chose God, the true God, the Living God. Nebuchadnezzar really didn't want to do throw them in the fire but that had been his decree. He liked these guys and their god so he gave them a chance to defend themselves. Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. Then they explained why they didn't need to defend themselves (Daniel 3:17-18): If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." God did rescue them from the blazing furnace. That is truly amazing and an absolute miracle, no matter how you look at it.

"But even if he does not".....I am astounded by this response. How did these three guys get to where no matter how God delivered them, it was acceptable to them? How did they get where they would accept death in the furnace if God had not saved them? I want that!! Oh, I don't want to be give choice of being thrown into a blazing furnace or bowing to an idol. I might fail, rather it's likely that I would fail. Bowing would be easier. Bowing would be safe. God is forgiving, after all.

What a wrong, sinful attitude I have!!! I know God is forgiving so I charge ahead. I don't spend much time thinking of the consequences. How much do I disrespect God with my daily bowing elsewhere!! Seems I don't care much. I am not saying that I bow to big gold statues. I don't. But are there other "gods" that I bow to? What other things do I put ahead of God....and not one of those has the alternative of a blazing furnace! I am so lowly and shameful.

That is why I am astounded by their response. They KNEW that God could save them from the fire. They knew that God COULD save them if He wanted to. They didn't know if He wanted to, and they didn't ask. They just chose to do what was right and let God respond as He wanted. Now that is faith and loyalty. Faith that God would do right. Loyalty that it didn't matter if they agreed with His decision. It was His decision to make and they were loyal to that. Makes me think of "God is good all the time. All the time God is good." No matter what happens. God is in control and can change the circumstances as He sees fit. We have to trust in the One who loves us. God will protect us one way or another when we are thrown into the fiery furnace.

Thank You God, for Your favor and forgiveness. Thank You for Your patience. Give me the strength and courage to stand up in times of disrespect of You. I want to do as You want. Only YOU are worthy. Amen.

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