Some people follow rules, while others find ways to bend them. Have you ever been caught talking in class during the teacher’s lesson? Maybe you were called into the principal’s office for breaking rules or misbehaving. There are consequences for breaking the rules.
Sometimes rules and laws can be frustrating, and we might resist obeying them. But there are moments when a rule or law conflicts with our core values or beliefs. This happened to three young men who served the king in a foreign land. The names they were given during the Babylonian captivity were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It might be a familiar story, but I want to encourage you to see their difficult situation with fresh eyes.
King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue. He gathered all the leaders of the Babylonian Empire and ordered them to bow before the idol. This act was meant to show their loyalty to the king publicly. The royal musicians prepared for the grand ceremony, and their music served as the signal for everyone to bow in a moment of deep worship. (Daniel 3:3b-6)
King Nebuchadnezzar warned that anyone who refused to worship the image would be thrown into the fiery furnace. Everyone was expected to obey the command—follow the rule—or face the punishment of death in a burning furnace.
The music played, and everyone bowed to the golden image except for three men—heads towering above the crowd. Who would dare to defy the king's order? Why would they risk their lives during this public ceremony?
Therefore, at that time, certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews … “There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
- Daniel 3:8, 12
In a fit of rage, Nebuchadnezzar ordered the three young men to appear before him. His blunt question demanded their obedience to his royal law. “Is it true that you will not serve my gods? And you will not bow to the golden statue?” (Daniel 3:13-14)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood before the king, facing a life-or-death decision. In pride and arrogance, King Nebuchadnezzar declared ...
And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”
- Daniel 3:15
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
- Daniel 3:16-18
Consider the strong yet wise response from the three young leaders.
Speak Words of Truth
We do not need to answer you in this matter.
Our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the fiery furnace.
Stand in Truth
Our God will deliver us out of your hand.
But if not, we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image.
Head to Heart
Sometimes rules feel annoying, and we don’t want to follow them. But there are moments when a rule or law clashes with our core values or beliefs. We face a tough choice. How will we handle the dilemma?
Do we shrug our shoulders, look away, and ignore the conflict?
If we ignore it, do we end up feeling guilty? Perhaps you have experienced that gnawing feeling in your stomach that reminds you of the choice you made.
If you stand on your convictions, there will be consequences. It doesn’t mean it will be easy. Paul’s words encourage us to “Speak the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15)
We should face moments like these with courage, strength, and boldness. Ask the Lord for wisdom in abundance and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Seek the Lord’s direction and then respond in obedience.
Truths to remember:
Our God is able to deliver us.
But if not, we will not serve your gods.
DGTM RESOURCE: Your Personal Decision to Walk with God
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