Daniel Chapter 3: Verses 16-18
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
I really admire the commitment of the three friends to the complete sovereignty of God, and their unquestioning obedience. They did not seek to justify or even defend their choice, and they were confident in God regardless of the outcome.
When God asks us to do anything for Him, he does not need to justify why; He is God after all. He may choose to reveal why, but He may not. Am I as obedient as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, or do I get caught up thinking about what the consequences of my actions might be?
Likewise, it can be tempting to try and justify our actions, and sometimes its necessary. At other times we need to just be brave and do whatever it is. King Nebuchadnezzar would not have listened to even the most eloquent and justified explanation, so the best course of action was to stand firm.
When people are seeking to criticise our faith, there are times when it is completely right to defend it, but there are times, when we are carrying out God’s instructions, that we just need to do whatever He has asked, with no other explanation required.
Dear Lord,
I am encouraged by the bravery and commitment of these three young men in the face of such powerful opposition. Help me to follow their example in a world which expects us to conform. I ask in Jesus’ Name, confident that His presence will be with me as He was with them. Amen.