Abide Together: Reflections on Daniel 3

In Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar builds a golden image and commands that everyone in Babylon bow down in worship to the image. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego refuse to so. They are thrown into the furnace that was heated 7 times hotter than normal. The Lord sends someone to deliver them from the flames that Nebuchadnezzar says looks like “a son of the gods.” This is most likely a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus. Nebuchadnezzar then tells them to come out of the furnace and commands that no one speak against their God or face execution. The thing that stands out to me as I read this familiar account is found in verses 17-18. Nebuchadnezzar gives Shadrach, Meshac and Abed-nego another chance to worship the image and save their lives. They respond with, “If it be so, out God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will delver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” They believed that God was powerful enough to deliver them out of the fire. However, they were not sure He would. The first phrase in verse 18, “But even if He does not” – shows that their faith was not based on what they believed to be best, but it was based on the goodness of God and whatever He decided was best. Many people speak about having faith in God as long as the outcome is favorable in their eyes. True faith, trusts God with the results no matter what the outcome. LORD, help me always trust You in every circumstance, regardless of the outcome. Help me daily say from the new heart You have given me – “But even if He does not” … I will still worship Him alone. 
– Bryan McKenzie