NO MATTER WHAT

Text: 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:16-18 N.I.V.

The story is thrilling. The evil King Nebuchadnezzar ordered all of his servants to bow before a golden image -- an idol. Three of his subjects were among the exiles from Judah. They chose to upset the system -- to rebel against the King's order! But that is not the amazing part of this event.

To refuse to bow to an idol is a sign of devotion to GOD. To face death in a fiery furnace requires enormous faith. To stand up and say "no" when everyone seems to be saying "yes" requires conviction. These three Hebrew men took a stand for GOD, but the truly amazing thing is that they took a "not matter what" stand for GOD! They could not be shaken. The "results" of their conviction simply did not matter to them. The threat of paying with their lives did not stop them from refusing to bow to an idol.

Closely look at verses 17 & 18 to catch the amazing attitude of these three men. They openly acknowledged that GOD could save them; However, verse 18 shows their true "no matter what" devotion. They informed the King that EVEN IF GOD CHOOSE NOT TO RESCUE THEM they would still not bow to an idol.

We need this incredible faith today. Upon study of the balance of Daniel we find these three heroes were indeed saved and in fact King Nebuchadnezzar also praised the GOD! The kind of faith demonstrated by these men is contagious. When we choose to take a public position for our LORD we don't always know who is watching. We would probably be surprised to learn how far reaching our faith can stretch. We must learn to place our love and devotion to Jesus Christ regardless of the outcome. This week let us set our eyes on Jesus and take an uncompromising stand for our faith.

May God Bless your study.

By Gary Stone

Return to Daniel

Return to the General Articles Page

Home / Bible studies / Bible Survey / Special Studies / General Articles / Non-Bible Articles / Sermons / Sermon Outlines / Links / Questions and Answers / What Saith The Scriptures /Daily Devotional / Correspondence Courses / What is the Church of Christ / Book: Christian Growth / Website Policy / E-mail / About Me /