About the three fiends of Daniel who chose not to bow before the image of King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2), Don Carson writes:
- Their basic courtesy and respect are undiminished, however bold their words.
- They are completely unwilling to apologize for their stance. The wise believer never apologizes for God or for any of his attributes.
- They do not doubt God’s ability to save them, and they say so: God is not hostage to other gods, or to human beings, emperors or otherwise.
- But whether or not God will save them they cannot know—and the point is immaterial to their resolve. Faithfulness is not dependent upon an escape hatch. They choose faithfulness because it is the right thing to do, even if it costs them their lives.
Carson, D. A. (1998). For the love of God: A daily companion for discovering the riches of God’s Word. Volume 2 (25). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
There is a lot to be learned from Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego:
- Boldly we put our case, without ridiculing the view of others.
- In the present debate about multiculturalism, same-sex marriages, homophobia, etc,. we never apologize for God. We are just the messengers, and if they want to shoot us, so be it.
- God is sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient and just.
- We don’t believe because we have a way out; we believe because we believe God – and He is our refuge.
Lord, make me like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego today. Help me to not bow before the demands of the gods of this world. Keep me faithful to Yourself. Amen.
Ultimate Standards 