Getting Thrown Into The Fire
Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:14-18
Bravery is a tricky word. It is defined as the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. It’s pretty fundamental when we talk about police who run into an area where gunshots are being fired or a fireman running into a building that is ablaze. This brings me to the wonderful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. As I read this, I’m saying to myself, “Ok, I need to be brave like these guys.” Let you all in on a little secret here. As much as I love God, I know my faith is not as brave as theirs was. Nonetheless, I will stand in front of anyone and say with confidence that I will never denounce God. Am I really ready to be tossed into the fire with the confidence I will not be burned like they were? No, I’m figuring, “At least I won’t have to worry about my losing Fantasy Football team this year!” But having said that, I realized something important that I totally missed. Being unapologetic in stating there is only one true living God no matter what the circumstance is indeed brave.
Godly bravery is about faith amidst uncertainty and not being concerned about whether or not you will suffer for it. As I read Daniel 3, the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went on about how God will save them. But note what they were saying. Even if God was not to save them, they said, “(W)e want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” As I thought about this verse, their surviving the fire was not relevant to them at all. This reminded me of Jesus when the immoral woman came to Him pouring perfume on His feet and wiping her tears on them with her hair. In that story, Jesus said:
“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”
The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?”
And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:47-50
The immoral woman was looking at her savior and could not feel more worthless in comparison to Jesus. Yet, she came to Him regardless whether forgiveness was an option or not. As such, He forgave her. We often get caught up in the presentation, the logical path, or what are the consequences with following God. What today’s verses are telling us is to stop focusing on the possible consequences, outcomes or what you detractors think of you and trust that God has you. You might be burned, hurt, or even worse. But if you maintain faith in God, He will always have your back.
Faith in God is not about being devoid of doubt. It is about us overcoming our them. It’s easy to just say the words. But volunteering to serve those in needs, giving a hand to a friend, loving on an enemy, or even giving testimony of how God has used you despite your imperfections are brave acts particularly if you have never done then before. Bravery is about overcoming fears and challenging yourself to grow for God’s glory. The verses today reinforce that if we trust God is who He says He is. Let us take the words of Paul’s final instructions to the Corinthians when he said, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13) Where is your faith meter today? Is it lukewarm or SMA level? How can we be braver today than yesterday? My prayer is we focus more on our standing with God bravely and less on getting thrown into the fire. Amen.