Articles
People Of The Week: Shadrach, Meshach And Abed-nego
These men come to us as a trio because they faced a life-threatening situation together. They were associates of Daniel, young Israelite captives being schooled in the political university of the Babylonians (Dan 1:3). When Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and is promoted thereby, he secures the promotion of these three men over the province of Babylon (2:49).
But when King Nebuchadnezzar establishes a mandatory celebration of an enormous idol that he had erected, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego face a dilemma: Worship the image and dishonor God or refuse and expose themselves to the accusations of their enemies. They choose the latter, and when questioned, they affirm their refusal to bow to the image (3:13-18).
This enraged the king, who immediately ordered their execution. But it also set an example still noteworthy today. After seeing the Babylonians kill tens of thousands of their countrymen, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego had no assurance of being spared by God. “But if not, let it be known ... that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” End of discussion.
Some matters should be so settled already in our minds that we will not budge no matter the consequences. Is your devotion to God so fixed in your own mind?
