Among LionsSample

CONTEXT: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego risk their lives by standing against the king’s demand.

Have you ever made excuses for your behavior even when you knew it contradicted what God wanted you to do? Maybe you cut corners at work to please a client. Or cheated on a test because you needed to pass the class. Or told a white lie to avoid an argument. I mean, it’s not that big of a deal, right? Other people do a lot worse. Besides, God understands, doesn’t He?

Today, we see how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in a similar situation. Once again, King Nebuchadnezzar had implemented a decree with deadly consequences for anyone who refused to comply. As we learned yesterday, anyone unwilling to bow down to the newly constructed gold statue would face a fiery furnace.

Remember, after Daniel revealed the king’s dream, he promoted the three friends to prominent government positions. Now, as part of their job, they gathered with governors and officials from across the empire to dedicate the golden statue. As the musicians began to play, signaling it was time for everyone to bow before the statue, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had a choice to make.

Put yourself in their shoes….or sandals. They’ve lived through the king’s unpredictable rage before. They knew he didn’t make empty threats. They understood Daniel wasn’t there to advocate for them if things went wrong. It would have been easy for them to make excuses to save their lives. For example:

1. They could have decided to bow but not worship the statue in their hearts.
2. They could have decided to do it just this once so their lives would be spared, then ask God for forgiveness.
3. They could have decided God would understand because it’s the king. They had to obey.
4. They could have decided they owed the king their loyalty for promoting them.
5. They could have decided they couldn’t save their people if they were dead.

Any of these excuses would have been reasonable…to man. Cutting corners to find a way to please both God and man never works. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego understood they had to be willing to follow God, whatever it might cost them.

CONSIDER THIS:

1. Think about a time when you cut corners or compromised to please man or help yourself. How did you feel afterward?

2. What excuses do you use when facing tension between saving yourself or pleasing God?

3. Write a prayer asking God to give you the courage to choose to follow Him even when the consequences could be costly.