Faith Tested by FireSample

Opinions or Convictions?

We face the king’s pride and what becomes a test throughout the early part of the book of Daniel: Nebuchadnezzar versus the living God. King Nebuchadnezzar says, “But if you do not worship the statue, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” The living God is about to show him who that God is.

This is a merciful offer from the king: “I mean, fellas, just reason with me. If you don’t do what I’m saying, you’ll die. Let’s do the reasonable thing. Show me respect; bow down as soon as you hear the music.” We must be honest and admit that being in front of this man would be, for any human being, a very fearful and intimidating situation.

Are we guaranteed never to face a test of our faith that might put our life at risk? In this nation, we have become accustomed to religious liberty. Thank God we live where we have enjoyed it. We don’t normally associate faithfulness to God with risking our lives, but that’s what these men are facing. Will you be faithful to God even if it costs you your life?

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t say, “Well, thank you, king, for another opportunity. Could we have some time to pray about this?” They didn’t need to consult one another to consider their response. They didn’t need to wait for music to play to find out what they would do. They already had their decision.

These were not rebellious young men. They were faithful to the living God, so they could not obey the king regarding his idol. Their decision was clear and already made. It was just as firm as their earlier decision not to defile themselves with the king’s food and wine (Daniel 1). They would not bow down—their faith response was a matter of conviction.

When we think of our faith in Jesus Christ, the living God, and the Word of God, do we think in terms of convictions? What are some of the convictions on which you base your life? Not preferences and opinions, but convictions, non-negotiables. These men operate based on convictions; they don’t have to think about it, pray, or take counsel about it. It’s already settled.