Today’s Reading: Daniel 3; Psalm 26

When God revealed the meaning of the dream, King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that Daniel’s God is the greatest of gods. He did not recognize God as the ONLY true God, just that He was the Most High of all gods. He did not accept that God was the only one to be worshiped.

In his arrogance, Nebuchadnezzar made a 90 foot by 90 foot gold statue in the province where Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were in leadership (the base of this statue would have been much bigger than a basketball court). He commanded that everyone bow and worship this statue.

Once more, these three young men were given the opportunity to choose excellence, even when faced with the possibility of death. King Nebuchadnezzar may not have recognized who the only true God is, but these young men did. Their new positions of authority and power did not boost their pride, rather they remained humbly faithful to their God. They refused to bow to the statue.

COURAGE — EVIDENCE OF EXCELLENCE IN THEIR ACTIONS

Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?” – Daniel 3:13-15

It did not take long for these three young Hebrew men to answer this question for they knew without a doubt what god would be able to rescue them. They knew what it was to be taken from their home and family only to become a possession of the king. They knew what it was to have their home country destroyed and to be forced to live in exile in a foreign country. God had proven himself faithful during a very difficult time in their lives, and they had the courage to boldly stand in their faith in God.

STRENGTH — EVIDENCE OF EXCELLENCE IN THEIR CHARACTER

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. BUT EVEN IF HE DOESN’T, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will NEVER serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” – Daniel 3:16-18

This has been one of my favorite testimonies of faith since I was a little girl and it remains extremely powerful to me today. EVEN IF God doesn’t answer my prayer in the way I have requested, I choose to serve God and only God. In good times and in bad, in the triumphs but also during the struggles, we have the opportunity to praise God!

In anger, Nebuchadnezzar heated the furnace seven times hotter than usual. In arrogance, this king had Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego bound and thrown into the furnace. In shock, he watched as four men walked around the fire unbound and unharmed! In response, Nebuchadnezzar ordered them to step out of the fire. In amazement, he took note that their hair was not singed, their clothing was not scorched, and the smell of smoke was oddly absent.

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God…There is no other god who can rescue like this!” – Daniel 3:28-29

As the climate of our culture continues to intensify, what will our response be? I pray that we are able to be strong and courageous as we refuse to put anything ahead of our worship of God. I pray that we speak boldly of the righteousness of God and His call to the excellence produced in our lives by Jesus Christ. I pray we become exactly who God created us to be, reflecting the beautiful holiness of our holy God!

May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation — the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ — for this will bring much glory and praise to God. – Philippians 1:11

And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen. – 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

Declare me innocent, O Lord,
for I have acted with integrity;
I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.
Test my motives and my heart.
For I am always aware of your unfailing love,
and I have lived according to your truth. – Psalm 26:1-3