A Pawn for the King

Daniel 3:10-29 (16-18)
 
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, three men willing to die for their True King.
 
For what reason did the three men not simply bow to the statue and disclose to God that they did not mean it that way? They had decided never to revere another god, and they boldly stood firm. Accordingly, they were sentenced and driven away to be executed. They did not know whether they would be conveyed from the fire; all they knew was that they would not bow to any idol. 

• 1 Kings 19:14, And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

 
Is it accurate to say that all of us (Christians) are prepared to stand firm for God regardless of the outcome? At the point when we stand and represent God, we will stick out. It might be excruciating, and it may not generally have a glad closure. We should be set up to say, “In the event that God delivers me, or He doesn't, I will only serve God.” 

• Isaiah 26:3-4, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:
• Joshua 24:15, And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

 
The three men had only one other possibility to bow. However, to bow to an idol or statue would violate God's order:

• Exodus 20:3-4. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make any unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

 
It would likewise eradicate their declaration for God. Never again might they be able to discuss the strength of their God over every other god. What reasons do we use for not representing God? Luke 12:3-9
 
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were constrained to deny God, yet they decided to be faithful regardless of what befell them. They confided in God to deliver them, yet they were resolved to be faithful paying little heed to the outcomes. If God constantly saved believers, then Christians would not require faith. Their religion would be an incredible protection strategy, like insurance, and there would be lines of egotistical individuals prepared to join. We should be dedicated to God whether He intercedes for our benefit or not. Our endless prize merits any enduring we may need to bear first. 

• 1 Samuel 17:37, David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.
• Psalm 27:1-2, The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.​
• Jeremiah 1:8, Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.

 
Nebuchadnezzar had made a statue to be worshiped. The three Hebrews defied the worldly king, and they agreed together. They did not doubt, they did not bow, and they did not burn. When God showed up, He showed out.
 
So, how does this apply today?

• When we panic, it confirms our hopelessness.
• When we pray, it confirms our hope in God.
• When we stand for what is right in God's sight, His power is displayed.
• Are we truly willing to let God use us?
• Our trials could lead someone to Christ.
• Someone may see God's power working in us.
• ​Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.