Want others to Know

"Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “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 3:15-18

Lord, do things get worse than that?  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were in a terrible situation.  They had refused to worship the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had raised up.  The magnanimous king gave them a second chance: worship the statue or die.


Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had no specific promise from You, Lord, that you would save them from this threat.  Yet they didn't flinch.  They didn't even TRY to defend themselves, because of their understanding of  your power and your worth. They were armed with the  knowledge that You could save, and they knew that you do not forget your own.   


Despite their dire situation, their priority was wanting the king to know about their loyalty to the Living God. They wanted their enemy to have a very clear picture of the truth: these 3 men would give the king civil allegiance, but they would not worship his gods.  Only the Living God would receive  devotion from them.


I think there are two things going on here.  1) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego  honored You by offering themselves as living sacrifices. Give me this boldness to actively cherish You above all else no matter what the cost. 2) Speaking Your truth in the midst of difficulty created a platform for the King and his court to understand your power and greatness. I also want others to know about my faithfulness to You.