Daniel 3:1, 6, 8 (NKJV) — 1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” 8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. 

In chapter 2, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream God revealed an image made of different substances to show each would not last. Only God’s kingdom (the stone/mountain) would last forever. Missing the point, Nebuchadnezzar made this tall image of gold for people to worship to show that he had complete authority over all. The Chaldeans then maliciously point out to the king that Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego refused to worship the image. 

Is God the authority in your life or do you place other gods, or yourself, ahead of Him?

Have you called out faults in others to give yourself favor or promote yourself? 

Daniel 3:16-18 (NKJV) — 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 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. 18 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.” 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did not flaunt their disobedience. They were respectful of the king but were also steadfast in their stand for God. They did not need to reconsider their commitment to God. They had confidence their lives were in God’s hands not Nebuchadnezzar’s! 

When can you find a wise solution and when must you go against authority?

What lesson is there to learn if your faith is too timid or if your faith is over-zealous?