He can… But if He doesn’t… We still won’t

When informed that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow before his image, king Nebuchadnezzar, “…flew into a rage and ordered the three men to be brought before him and asked, ….is it true that you refuse to worship my god and to bow down to the gold statue I have set up? Daniel 3:13-14 GNB

“Now if you are ready, at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” Daniel 3:15 NKJ

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego displayed great faith when they stood amidst the crowd, but now they were standing before the king. After hearing the fiery furnace speech from the mouth of the king, they could respond to the fear of man or further demonstrate the depths of their faith by remaining loyal.  The presumed easy out would be to simply fall and worship the image at the appointed time. However, living out our faith is rarely easy and always requires sacrifice.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter…” Daniel 3:16

This statement effectively entered a plea of guilty in the Babylonian court. Yet, guilt in failing to participate in idolatry meant innocence in the court of Jehovah.

Nebuchadnezzar- “…Who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego- “…our GOD is able, and He will!!!!!!!”

“The God we worship can save us from you and your flaming furnace.  But even if he doesn’t, we still won’t worship your gods and the gold statue you have set up.”  Daniel 3:17-18 CEV

The existence, power, and faithfulness of GOD is not dependent upon Him delivering our fleshly man from danger or death. GOD could choose to not deliver these three from the fiery furnace and it would in no way be a reflection on His being or ability. It would simply be that He chose not to, and He would have His purpose for doing so. Regardless of GOD’S response, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego do not question His ability and refuse to allow His decision to cause them to compromise. “…our GOD is able and will, however rest assured, your majesty, even if He doesn’t, we will not serve your gods, and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.”

Our GOD can, but even if He doesn’t, we must not compromise, rather, trust that He is working everything according to His will.