Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were Jewish exiles and friends of Daniel in Babylon. They were men of remarkable understanding equipped with the Babylonian literature and culture. They were also given positions of great leadership in Babylon just like David. Although, they showed deep respect for King Nebuchadnezzar, they were unwilling to follow any order that would compromise their faith.
When King Nebuchadnezzar commanded everyone to worship the golden statue, these three men refused to do so, even though it meant being cast into a fiery furnace. They replied, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18).
Lessons from the story of the three Hebrew men and King Nebuchadnezzar
Serving the Lord involves total commitment
When you read the account of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3, one thing is apparent: they were fully committed to serving their God even in the face of opposition and persecution. Despite the threat from king Nebuchadnezzar, they stood their ground `and held on to their God to deliver them.
Whenever you face trials and persecution, you must rise up with the attitude of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - an attitude where you only look up to God for survival. Regardless of what you are going through, God can rescue you from that Cancer, he can restore your marriage and even if he doesn’t you will not bow down to the pressure of life.
The true believer should square his shoulders and take his stand for Jesus. Jesus speaking to His disciples, “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” In service our God, we must hold on to him and never turn back regardless of what the devil throws at us” (Luke 9:62).
Persecution is part of being a Christian
Nebuchadnezzar reacted in anger to the stand taken by the three Hebrew boys and was determined to destroy them in the fiery furnace. He ordered them to be tied and thrown into the heated fire seven times hotter than it would normally have been. The fire was so hot that it killed the men who threw them in the fire. They refused to reduce their godly standard as they fully understood God’s word and were not going to compromise on their faith.
Their faith in God would not allow them to stoop to the same level as the people around them. They took their stand in spite of the personal cost.
If we are going to live for Jesus; then we are going to suffer persecution just as the Hebrews boys; “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). There will be fire of criticism, fire of intimidation, fire of hatred, fire of temptation, fire of trials and so on. Whatever fire we find ourselves in, we must know that God has not forgotten us and He will always see us through.
Jesus speaking to his disciples; “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:16-22).
God always fulfils His promises to us.
The three Hebrews men were thrown into the fire, but an amazing thing happened. Instead of being consumed by the fire, they were loosed from their bonds and were seen walking around in the fire. Nebuchadnezzar couldn’t believe his eyes and commanded them to be released from the fire. When they did, the three Hebrew men were totally unharmed by the violence of the fire. The Lord speaking to the children of Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:1-2).
When the fires of persecution and affliction come into your life, you need to remember the Lord’s will never leave you nor forsake you. You thought God would save you before things got messy. You expected the miracle outside of the fire, but the miracle was in the fire. Instead of complaining while you are in the fire, trust your God and watch out for deeper revelation in the fire, because the Lord always keeps his promises. He is not a man that he would lie
Promotion comes after trial
When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, they received a promotion. King Nebuchadnezzar saw the goodness and favour of God in their lives and promoted them in his worldly kingdom (Daniel 3:30). The fire may have been your greatest test, but promotion comes after your trials if you endure to the end.
Persecution and trials always make us stronger. When the fire of persecution comes threatening, take heart. The miracle of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego is a miracle for you as well. Be fully persuaded, don't give up. Your miracle is in the fire.
