The example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace of Daniel 3 has served as a model for Jews and Christians throughout history. Their faith statement is in Daniel 3: 16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”[1]
Their faith in God’s ability to deliver them and their unwavering stance in the face of martyrdom has served as an example to all exiled and oppressed believers throughout generations. Their story has given courage when it might have been easier just to compromise. We often only focus on this life and forget that God has made us for eternity. This life is extremely limited, but we can’t imagine how long eternity is because we live here on this earth in the limitations of time. As our lives take a pause in this pandemic, take an opportunity to think about eternity. Peter gives us a focus of how to live for eternity: 1 Peter 4: 7-11 Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes![2] Be the example that inspires.
To hear more about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/daniel-a-man-of-character/trial-by-fire
[1,2] The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson