Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego risked their lives when they refused to worship the golden image. When it seemed that God abandoned them in their suffering, He actually met them within the fire.
Discover
- The king was discontent with the reality of his limited reign, so he attempted to enshrine himself in the land and among the people (3:1-12).
- These young men believed that maintaining a devotion to God was more critical than guaranteeing deliverance from danger (3:13-18).
- God miraculously saved them from the fire, and thus His power became undeniable among a rebellious people (3:19-30).
Unpack
- Even beyond that particular location and structure, the human heart is determined to make a big deal about itself.
- The most prevalent danger for the believer is not replacing God but reprioritizing Him.
- Believers don’t have to avoid fires if they know they won’t be abandoned within them.
Apply
- Don’t allow the pressures of a governmental system to dictate the expression of your religious devotion.
- Even if you are unsure of God’s plan, never doubt God’s power.
- It’s better to be with God in the temporal fires than be without God in the eternal ones.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
