Daniel 3:1-30

Conviction is a hard quality to find in the hearts of men, especially in the face of death.  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were men of conviction because they had great confidence in the power of God and they rested in the hope of the promises of God.  They would not compromise their convictions under the threat of death because they believed God was fully able to save them if He desired and if He did not desire; they rested in the hope of an eternity in the presence of God.  God continues to look for men of conviction who are willing to face the threats of men with confidence in God’s power and promises. 

A CONVOCATION TO IDOLATRY: Nebuchadnezzar has a golden statute erected and commands all of the people to bow down and worship this statue at the sound of music playing.  I find it interesting to observe that this image is all made of gold.  The “metallic man” from his vision was of all different metals but Daniel had told him that the head of gold represented him.  Nebuchadnezzar hopes to reign forever and wants Babylon to go unconquered so this gold statue may simply be a representation of himself.  Nebuchadnezzar wants to be the object of worship.  This is idolatry in its most basic and common form.  All of mankind is fallen and longs to be the object of worship.  Far too often we are the objects of our own worship.  God calls us to a much higher standard.

A COMMITMENT TO INTEGRITY: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are committed to integrity in their worship.  They are determined not to bow down to this or any image.  They are committed to worshiping God and God alone.  We must assume that Daniel was out of the province during these events as it is most certain that he would not have bowed down either.  The consequence for refusing to worship this image was being thrown into the furnace and burned to death.  When men who were jealous of our three friend’s positions of prominence noticed that they would not bow down; they immediately accused them before the king.  Nebuchadnezzar could not believe that three of his top men would defy him so he gave them another chance but they clearly stated their commitment to integrity in worship.  The king became furious and ordered them to be thrown into the super-heated furnace.  We must not compromise our commitment to the Lord no matter how severe the threats may be.

A CASE OF INVINCIBILITY: The men who threw Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the furnace were killed instantly by the flames.  However, God sent His angel to be in the furnace with them and they were protected from even having the smell of smoke.  Nebuchadnezzar was amazed and called for them to come out.  He declared that the God of Israel was to never more be spoken against in Babylon and he gave Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego a promotion in the kingdom.  God will not always deliver His children in this way.  Many believers have been martyred because of their faith and refusal to participate in idolatry.  However, we can be sure that God is invincible.  The death of believers is not a victory for Satan, Christ has conquered death and all who trust in Him will be victorious over death and experience eternal life.  All believers can serve God faithfully secure in their invincibility.