I don't even know where to start! Honestly, I have typed & deleted the beginning of this post several times now. I guess I just can't wrap my head around the actions taken and the words spoken by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They remain faithful to God in the face of being burned alive! Even when they are surrounded by people willing to bend to Kind Nebuchadnezzar's will; even when the King appeared merciful by giving them a second chance, they declared their unwavering service to God. The kicker is the phrase, "But even if he doesn't..." It's at this point I have to offer thanksgiving to God for never having to face that situation personally.
While we are not faced with life or death religious choices in 21st Century America, we are bombarded with choices of allegiance regularly. Our daily decisions of how we spend our time, our energy, and our money are a reflection of who or what we serve. What we teach our children, what we allow them to learn (yes, there is a distinction), how we encourage them and in what direction we lead. How we live in our communities, how we conduct our business, how we handle our relationships, and who & what we value all reflect our character. Some of these choices are obvious and easy, others are insidious, sneaking into our lives without us even realizing the time suck or money drain away from our faith they have created. While still others are big questions that we tackle as they come up in our lives: I have teens so for me over the past decade it's things like drinking, drugs, sex, and responsible living. These are areas where it seems "ok" by secular standards, after all, everyone is doing it and only a few have bad things happen to them. Staying true to God's word can be difficult when surrounded by friends, pressuring you to conform. And while they may not face being thrown into a furnace, they do face criticism and even being ostracised.
Adults aren't immune to secular pressure either! The bigger house, the better job, the cool toys, the best vacations, the fashionable clothing (and the body to go with it), the immaculate home, the perfect pension, sending the kids to all the right camps, tutors, lessons, & private coaching. How hard is it to decline the boss' invitation to "go out" after a meeting knowing that those who do get the raise or the promotion, even though you do all the work but refuse to participate in the extra-curricular activities? Is it easy to stay quiet when a juicy bit of gossip comes your way? Do you 'volunteer' with strings attached - expecting favors or recognition? Are you over committed to work or volunteering in hopes of impressing people?
I think, in a way, all of these situations are like the king's gold statue. They are beautiful, formidable, and everyone else seems to be okay with "It" (whatever it happens to be at the moment). But when we take a good hard look at our relationship to them, if they are in conflict with or become a barrier to what God wants for us, then we have to make a choice. We have to be willing to stand with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refusing the shiny, sparkling traps of what the world says is okay. We have to have faith that when we choose to serve God, people around us will see how He rescues us and declare, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! 29. He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. There is no other god who can rescue like this!" (Daniel 3:28, 29b) Replace the 3 names with your name and read it again :)
You are encouraged to spend time with this chapter and the questions in the study guide. I'd love to know how you have resisted the pressure to follow the crowd at the risk of being "different" or losing out on something. If you are reading this in your e-mail, click here to go to the blog and leave your comment.
May you draw strength from the story of the men who were rescued from the fiery furnace!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Shelly
"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." Proverbs 16:24
1 comment:
Well said, Shelly! I wish I was around for this discussion. This chapter was played out on a video in a "Veggie Tales" and viewed about a hundred times by my boys when they were young (and to my Sunday School classes). I recall how they, (and I) had such a tough time comprehending the bravery of "Rack, Shack and Benny" while facing the fire. And more importantly, their bravery to stand up to the King! Look forward to meeting with you all again!
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