Jesus-Centered Faith

"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.'” - Daniel 3:16-18

In Daniel chapter 2, King Nebuchadnezzar just promoted Daniel and his friends and praised their God. Daniel was able to tell the king what his dream was and its interpretation.

Daniel 3 started with the king established an image of gold and decreed that every time the people hears all kinds of music playing they should fall down and worship this image.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, being faithful to the Lord, never bowed down before this image. In verse 8, the astrologers told the king about them disobeying the king’s command. So the king called them and confirmed if it is true and reminded them of what will happen to them if they do not fall down and worship the image he set up – they will be thrown into a blazing furnace. Daniel 3:16-18 was their reply to the king that made him so angry.

Let me share with you four things about faith as modeled by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

1. Always be on guard.

If a person (such as King Nebuchadnezzar) can praise the God we serve because of what He did through our lives and then make such a move that is against the same God he just praised, there is no reason for us to relax just because we felt the success of God's move.

It is not wrong to celebrate achievements. They came from God. What I'm saying is in your success, do not forget the one who caused you to triumph - Jesus.

Remember, most people who failed failed not during the time when they were down but during the time they were at the peak of their career. King Saul is one great example of this.

2. Stand firm on your faith but respect authorities.

Notice how Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego addressed the king... "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. They gave him the recognition he deserves (Your Majesty) but firmly conveyed their stand on the issue.

Your parents who do not support your faith still deserves your respect because they are your parents. Same as your friends, your employer, etc. Far more than they deserve your respect, they are souls to be won for Jesus. 

3. God knows what He is doing; God knows what to do.

I love this line from this passage: "...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." This is a clear statement of completely entrusting the situation to God. It is a fearless declaration of "I do not always understand how my God works but I know it is always the best tailored-fit-for-my-situation move."

4. Act on your faith.

Even the devil believes in God (James 2:19). Our difference from his belief on God is our point of view. Satan shudders (James 2:19). We put our faith on God. We trust that what he does is always for our best. Jesus is our Savior. 

In every situation we are facing, always remember that whenever our faith is tested it does not mean God is unsure of us. He just wants to make us see for ourselves that through Him, we can do things we never thought we can.

May our faith always point to Jesus.