We were talking about King Nebuchadnezzar this week. The King was insisting that when music played all people were to stop what they were doing and fall down and worship him. He went so far as to make a gold statue of himself that was 90 foot tall and 9 feet wide. Sort of what we would call a totem pole. Now the king insisted that at the sound of music, everyone was to stop what they were doing and fall down and worship the statue. Anyone not bowing to the statue would be thrown into a fiery furnace.
As Jews, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego followed God’s laws. They were to worship God and not worship an idol. Therefore, they refused to bow down before the statue. When King Nebuchadnezzar found out, he gave them one last chance. They told the king, “If our God can save us, God will save us. But even if God doesn’t save us, we will never bow down to your statue.” What an act of courage! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego believe in God so much they are willing to risk dying in the fiery furnace. As he promised, the king had the furnace fired up extra hot, and he had his men throw the three men into the furnace. As the three were thrown into the furnace, a fourth person appeared with them!
God did save the three men from the furnace, and the king was so impressed that he made a new decree. Everyone was to worship the one true God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. This is a wonderful example of the bravery of these three men to stand up for their beliefs. What would we do? Fortunately, we are not tested to this degree, but we have daily opportunities to share our faith. We pray to see our kids in Sunday school this week! Blessings.
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