Sunday school classic . . . Bible story 101 . . . enter stage left, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego . . . enter stage right, arrogant, self-absorbed, megalomaniac king who has just built the biggest and most expensive idol you’ll ever come across — more driven by his self-promoting ego than as a tribute to the god he purports to honor . . . mix in an all or nothing decree that everyone who does not fall down and worship the gold image will be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace (Daniel 3:6) . . . and you got the making of one great showdown . . . no wonder kids love this story . . . no wonder I do too!

Just as these three guys had, along with Daniel, purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves with the king’s delicacies when they were first conscripted into the king’s service, they now would not bow down and worship the king’s self-aggrandizing mega-idol. Not that they didn’t believe the threats were real . . . not that they didn’t understand the consequences . . . but that they were determined to be faithful to the true God . . . the one and only living God . . . even if it meant getting toasted . . . literally.

You’ve got to love the confrontation between the king and the these men . . . “if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” . . . “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” (Daniel 3:15-18).

No need to argue . . . no need to defend . . . our God is able to deliver . . . and if He chooses not to, let it be known we serve but one God. End of discussion . . . end of debate. We serve but one God . . . amen?

Oh, to possess the faith and fortitude of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. To remain faithful to Him who is worthy of uncompromising consecration. To know that He is able to deliver . . . but to stand fast even if He chooses not to. You gotta’ love these guys and the “right stuff” that they model.

And what’s the greater miracle? That they were delivered from death by the fourth man in the fire (3:24-25) . . . or that they so abided with the God of heaven that they were able to confidently place their lives in His hand . . . sure of His power . . . sure of His Sovereign purposes . . . fully submitted to His will. Being delivered from the flames was a bonus . . . knowing the God of deliverance was the greater prize. Escaping the flames brought glory to God . . . refusing to bow the knee, in my mind, brought just as much glory to God.

Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego who has sent His angel to deliver . . . (3:28a)

That by His grace and through His power, I might too resolve to serve but one God . . . for His glory alone . . . amen.