Faith Tested by FireExemplo

Decide in Your Heart

King Nebuchadnezzar was a furious king. We know he had an anger problem because we see him acting in a fit of anger more than once. I’m sure that wasn’t unusual for kings in that day and age; it was certainly true of Nebuchadnezzar. He was also very proud because he constructed an image, probably of himself, and demanded the world’s worship. Whenever he felt disregarded or disrespected, he acted angrily, showing a disregard for life. If he was angry, someone was going to die.

We see the king’s disregard for life in Daniel 2:11–13, where he wanted his dream to be told to him first and then its interpretation. Of course, no one could do that. The Bible says that because of this, the king was furious. In a fit of rage, he commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed.

In Daniel 3:14–15, we notice the king’s intimidating inquisition of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”

So, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were brought before the king. The king began his urgent and pointed inquisition. He asked them, “Is it true?” Without even waiting for an answer, he put them to the test, “Now, we’ll forget this thing if you just bow down now.” I’m sure the king thought this a merciful act. At this time, he was the king of kings who had power over the entire world. He had been disrespected and disobeyed, but was willing to overlook the young men’s offense if they would do the “reasonable” thing and concede.

But in their hearts, the three men had already decided that they would honor God and God alone.