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Daniel 3:8-12 — The Accusation

Daniel tells us that some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who had not bowed down to the image. We might ask the question, “Why didn’t Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego just stay at home during the dedication?” It must have been because they wished to obey the king’s orders as far as they could, and yet they were willing to publicly obey God by not bowing to the image. This took courage that only the Lord could have given them. Humanly speaking, imagine your whole body trembling in the midst of this vast crowd as you stand for the Lord, while everyone else bows to the idol! Yet these three men stood erect with great courage, knowing that they were being watched, and that their actions would be reported to the king. In the same spirit the apostle Paul encouraged his young apprentice, Timothy, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego faced a test of their faith. They were told to bow down before the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up as an object of worship. Although everyone else obeyed, they refused to sacrifice their spiritual principles on the altar of expediency. Even when threatened with death in a blazing furnace they stood their ground! With God’s help and grace they came through the terrible ordeal unharmed. As a result of their faithfulness they brought honor to God and promotion to themselves (see Daniel 3:28-30). Are you a spineless, timid, wavering Christian, or does the world know that you have taken a firm stand on the side of God and truth? If you want to stand for Him, yet you are afraid, just ask Him and He will give you His strength to stand upon.