Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have been deported from Jerusalem to Babylon. They have been trained to work in the royal court there. Even the attempted brainwashing during the training has not deterred their faith in the true God. Daniel has a job in the palace while his friends have jobs in the province of Babylon.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar decided to build a giant statue and commanded everyone to worship it under the penalty of death. Daniel’s friends knew they would dishonor God if they bowed to this statue. Their refusal to worship the statue was noticed and they were brought before the king. The king gave them one more chance to worship the statue but if they still refused, they would be killed. The three men give their reply in Daniel 3: 16 Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to defend our actions in this matter. We are ready for the test. 17 If you throw us into the blazing furnace, then the God we serve is able to rescue us from a furnace of blazing fire and release us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if He does not, O king, you can be sure that we still will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue you erected.[1]
How could these men make such a statement? They had experienced God rescuing them from death several times. Before they were exiled there was a battle in Jerusalem, but they were saved. When they began their training in Babylon there was an issue over diet which could have turn out badly, but God saved them from trouble there. They had been ordered to be killed with the rest of the king’s advisors because the kings’ dream wasn’t interpreted (Daniel 2). After joining with Daniel in prayer, God gave Daniel the dream and the interpretation. So, none of the advisors were killed. These men knew that God had repeatedly saved them from death and God could be trusted.
We, too, need to remember what God has done in the past. When we remember God’s faithfulness, it builds our faith and trust. In this time of safer at home remembering what God has done for us in the past can give us strength to get through the day. If you don’t have a past relationship with God, He is eager for you to come to Him. Be assured that when you repent of your sin, you will be forgiven because of what Jesus did for each of us on the cross. It is only God who can give you true peace in times like this. If you are unsure how to begin a relationship with God, call a friend who is a believer and they can share and encourage you on your journey.
To hear more about the story of Daniel’s friends, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/daniel-a-man-of-character/trial-by-fire
[1] The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society