February 2nd, 2025
by Rodney Duckett
by Rodney Duckett

In the Fire : Part 3
In a world that often challenges our beliefs and values, how do we stand firm in our convictions? The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel offers powerful insights into living with unshakeable faith, even in the face of dire consequences.
These three young men found themselves in a predicament that many of us can relate to, albeit in less extreme circumstances. King Nebuchadnezzar had erected a massive golden image and decreed that everyone must bow down and worship it when they heard the sound of music. The consequence for disobedience? Being thrown into a fiery furnace.
These three young men found themselves in a predicament that many of us can relate to, albeit in less extreme circumstances. King Nebuchadnezzar had erected a massive golden image and decreed that everyone must bow down and worship it when they heard the sound of music. The consequence for disobedience? Being thrown into a fiery furnace.
Fiery Principles of Living a Godly Life
This scenario presents us with several profound truths about living a godly life in a world that often opposes our beliefs:
1. God's Word Will Be Unpopular in the World
The first commandment states, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). This foundational truth was at the heart of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's dilemma. Similarly, many biblical principles we hold dear are increasingly unpopular in our modern world.
For instance, the belief in one true God, salvation through Christ alone, the sanctity of life, and God's design for gender and sexuality are often met with resistance or outright hostility. As followers of Christ, we must be prepared for our beliefs to clash with cultural norms and expectations.
2. God's People Will Be Criticized by the World
Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were maliciously accused by their peers, we too may face criticism for our faith. The world often labels Christians as intolerant, old-fashioned, or bigoted. These accusations are often attempts to coerce us into conforming to worldly standards.
However, we are called to a different standard. As Romans 12:2 reminds us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
3. God's People Will Be Challenged to Worship Idols
While we may not face literal golden statues, our modern world is full of idols vying for our worship – career, money, relationships, reputation, or material possessions. These things aren't inherently bad, but they become problematic when they take priority over our relationship with God.
The challenge lies in recognizing these subtle idols and choosing to prioritize God above all else. This often requires making difficult decisions that may put us at odds with societal expectations.
1. God's Word Will Be Unpopular in the World
The first commandment states, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). This foundational truth was at the heart of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's dilemma. Similarly, many biblical principles we hold dear are increasingly unpopular in our modern world.
For instance, the belief in one true God, salvation through Christ alone, the sanctity of life, and God's design for gender and sexuality are often met with resistance or outright hostility. As followers of Christ, we must be prepared for our beliefs to clash with cultural norms and expectations.
2. God's People Will Be Criticized by the World
Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were maliciously accused by their peers, we too may face criticism for our faith. The world often labels Christians as intolerant, old-fashioned, or bigoted. These accusations are often attempts to coerce us into conforming to worldly standards.
However, we are called to a different standard. As Romans 12:2 reminds us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
3. God's People Will Be Challenged to Worship Idols
While we may not face literal golden statues, our modern world is full of idols vying for our worship – career, money, relationships, reputation, or material possessions. These things aren't inherently bad, but they become problematic when they take priority over our relationship with God.
The challenge lies in recognizing these subtle idols and choosing to prioritize God above all else. This often requires making difficult decisions that may put us at odds with societal expectations.
Courageously Standing with God
1. Do Make Decisions already Decided (V16)
Once a decision has been made in your life follow Jesus then many decisions have already been made and there is no need to continue to grapple with these concerns in our minds. Once the decision has been made to be follow Jesus as your Lord and Master, all other worldly "gods" take their proper position behind God in order of priority in your life. Life then becomes much simpler.
2. Live Knowing that God is Able (v17)
Notice the three men did not say that God will deliver us in verse 17. They know with confidence that God is able to deliver them. At this point they did not know the outcome of the blazing furnace. But they never faltered on knowledge that God is powerful and merciful and no matter what, God is able to do as He desires.
3. Live wih a "But If Not" Faith (v18)
The response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to the king's threat is perhaps the most powerful part of this story. They declared:
"Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."
(Daniel 3:17-18)
This response embodies what we might call a "but if not" faith. They believed God was able to save them, but even if He chose not to, they would remain faithful. This unwavering commitment, regardless of the outcome, is the essence of true faith.
Too often, we focus our prayers on deliverance from difficult situations. While it's not wrong to pray for deliverance, perhaps we should shift our focus to praying for faithfulness in the midst of trials. Can we trust God even when the outcome isn't what we hoped for?
4. Remember Your Faithfulness Can Impact Others (v19ff)
The faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had a profound impact on Nebuchadnezzar. He went from threatening their lives to praising their God and decreeing that no one should speak against Him. While we may not see such dramatic results, our steadfast faith can have a powerful witness to those around us.
Once a decision has been made in your life follow Jesus then many decisions have already been made and there is no need to continue to grapple with these concerns in our minds. Once the decision has been made to be follow Jesus as your Lord and Master, all other worldly "gods" take their proper position behind God in order of priority in your life. Life then becomes much simpler.
2. Live Knowing that God is Able (v17)
Notice the three men did not say that God will deliver us in verse 17. They know with confidence that God is able to deliver them. At this point they did not know the outcome of the blazing furnace. But they never faltered on knowledge that God is powerful and merciful and no matter what, God is able to do as He desires.
3. Live wih a "But If Not" Faith (v18)
The response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to the king's threat is perhaps the most powerful part of this story. They declared:
"Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."
(Daniel 3:17-18)
This response embodies what we might call a "but if not" faith. They believed God was able to save them, but even if He chose not to, they would remain faithful. This unwavering commitment, regardless of the outcome, is the essence of true faith.
Too often, we focus our prayers on deliverance from difficult situations. While it's not wrong to pray for deliverance, perhaps we should shift our focus to praying for faithfulness in the midst of trials. Can we trust God even when the outcome isn't what we hoped for?
4. Remember Your Faithfulness Can Impact Others (v19ff)
The faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had a profound impact on Nebuchadnezzar. He went from threatening their lives to praising their God and decreeing that no one should speak against Him. While we may not see such dramatic results, our steadfast faith can have a powerful witness to those around us.
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