Scripture to Read: Daniel 3:16–23
Nebuchadnezzar offered these three young men a chance to save themselves, but we read Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego’s response to king Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:16–18,"O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Don’t miss what these three young men say. First, they fully knew and comprehended the power of God. These young men knew that God could deliver them from the furnace of blazing fire if He chose to do so, but even if God did not deliver them from a fiery death, they would not disobey God’s command in Exodus 20:3–6 and dishonor Him. Again, these young men were 19 or 20 years of age, and their walk with God was uncompromising. Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction in Daniel 3:19–20 is unsurprising, for his anger was out of control. In Daniel 3:21–23, we read that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were tied and thrown into the furnace. The guards were killed by the flames as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego fell into the furnace. We know from Hebrews 11 that God sometimes delivered His children and sometimes He did not (Hebrews 11:35–38), but it’s always for His glory, for the victory belongs to Him.
Challenge & Application
• What did God teach you today about trusting Him no matter the outcome?
• How have you seen God work in your life, and how has He delivered you through Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!