HOW MESHACH, SHADRACH AND ABEDNEGO DEMONSTRATED THEIR FAITH IN GOD (DANIEL 3: 1-30).

King Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image on the plain of Dura and commanded that at the sound of music every person must fall down and worship it, on pain of being cast into a burning fiery furnace. Three Jewish officials, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, demonstrated their faith in God in the following ways:

• They refused to worship the golden image. When all others bowed, these three would not, remaining faithful to the first commandment that forbids idolatry.
• They boldly confessed their faith before the king. When accused and threatened, they told Nebuchadnezzar plainly, "We have no need to answer you in this matter."
• They trusted absolutely in God's power to deliver. They declared, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king."
• Their faith was unconditional. They added, "But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image." Their loyalty did not depend on rescue.
• They accepted the risk of death. They allowed themselves to be bound and cast into the furnace, heated seven times hotter, rather than deny God.
• God vindicated their faith. In the furnace they walked unharmed, and a fourth figure like a son of the gods appeared with them. The fire did not touch their bodies, hair, or garments, and no smell of smoke was on them.
• Their steadfastness led the king to glorify God. Nebuchadnezzar blessed the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, promoted them, and decreed that no one should speak against their God.