Daniel 3:13-15
‘Then Nebuchadnezzar in rage and anger gave orders to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; then these men were brought before the king. Nebuchadnezzar began speaking and said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, that you do not serve my gods, nor worship the golden statue that I have set up? Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery and bagpipe, and all kinds of musical instruments, to fall down and worship the statue that I have made, very well. But if you do not worship, you will immediately be thrown into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can rescue you from my hands?”’
This is a frightful situation. They were going about a normal day, then they were arrested. Then they were brought to an area in the kings presence. They see that he’s mad. He speaks up and states their crime, not worshipping his idol. He shows some mercy by giving them another chance. Then states their punishment if they continue their disobedience, being thrown into the fiery furnace. This is a capitol punishment.
We’ve all been reprimanded in some way. The most embarrassing for me was missing an audible during football practice. The coach lined up several people to go head to head against me one at a time. It all happened so quick, I didn’t know what was going on. I just remember the embarrassment.
What’s interesting about this is that in the previous chapter the king had received a disturbing dream. God gave him the interpretation through Daniel. ‘The king responded to Daniel and said, “Your God truly is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of secrets, since you have been able to reveal this secret”‘, (Daniel 2:47). He’s not acting like he believes this. He turns around and makes an idol in his likeness and commands all to worship it.
The bible warns that we will receive persecution. John 15:20 says, “Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.” Then in John 16:33, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” These are being persecuted.
We are to take courage. Trust Him as we go through it. We will learn that God delivers these guys. He will do so with us as well. Paul and Silas praise God while in jail, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” We are to praise Him in the storm.
Some times our foolishness can get us in trouble. I Peter 4:15,16 says, “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” I did something years ago in sincerity, but probably was a bad idea. My boss was already displeased with me, but seemed to get worse. I felt I might be transferred. God rescued me. My boss learned that his boss was someone in our bible study. He backed off. I love that. Even thought I wan’t perfect He rescued me.
To praise Him in the storm takes faith. It doesn’t feel pleasant. But we know He is a powerful God and is with us. Praise Him. Do it by faith. We might not feel it, but praise Him.
Thank You, God that You love us and are with us. Even in persecution, we are to praise Him.