Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Daniel 3:15
The Book of Daniel, specifically Chapter 3, recounts the story of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. This monarch constructed a golden image, towering at sixty cubits in height and six cubits in width. He issued a decree to all peoples, nations, and languages, commanding that upon hearing the sounds of various musical instruments—including the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery—everyone must bow down and worship the golden image he had erected. Those who refused to comply would face immediate execution by being thrown into a blazing furnace (Daniel 3:4, 6). Such a proclamation carried significant weight, serving as both a warning and a threat.
This decree originated from a ruler of considerable power, and the consequences of defiance could lead to dire repercussions. The atmosphere of fear surrounding this order compelled compliance among the populace. The king's word was absolute and could not be contested. However, there were Jewish individuals within the kingdom who resisted the king's command, choosing instead to honor the true God rather than the golden idol. This defiance was brought to the king's attention by certain Chaldeans, who accused Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego of failing to serve the king's gods and of not worshiping the golden image.
In verse 15 of Daniel 3, the king reiterates his command to the three Jews, threatening them with immediate execution in the fiery furnace if they do not worship the golden image. In his arrogance, he questions their faith, asserting, "Who is the god that will deliver you from my hands?"
In the face of this peril, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were expected to surrender. The fiery furnace was visible to them, yet they remained resolute, placing their faith in God. They understood that God had the power to protect them, and even if He chose not to, they would not compromise their devotion to His name. Their declaration is found in Daniel 3:17-18: "17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." Such assurance! Such conviction!
In response to this declaration, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage and ordered that the Jews be thrown into the furnace, which was heated seven times hotter than usual. To the human eye, this appeared to be a certain death for these men. The intensity of the flames was so great that it consumed those who cast Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego into the fire. However, God ultimately holds the power to determine outcomes.
God rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; the flames had no effect on their bodies, their hair remained unscorched, and they did not even carry the scent of smoke. Nebuchadnezzar had questioned, "Who is the god that will deliver you from my hand?" The deities of Nebuchadnezzar were powerless to save these three men from the furnace, as they were limited. In contrast, the Almighty God, the Creator of all, possesses the ability to deliver Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and He did so. God was present with these three individuals. As stated in Isaiah 43:2, "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."
If you are feeling fearful, confused, helpless, or anxious, remember that God was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and He can be with you as well. You can encounter Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. As stated in John 14:6, Jesus declared, "I am the way and the way, the truth, and the life. No one reaches the Father except through me."
Do you desire for God to have the final authority in your life? You must place your trust in Him.
Amen.
Pierre F. Romelus
Source Divine Ministries
Email: info@sourcedivine.info
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