Akin to Caesar Augustus (1) ordering a world census in Luke 2 (2), the account of  Shadrach (3), Meshach (4) and Abednego (5) in Daniel 3 (6) is yet another biblical example of God (7) using non-believers to advance His Kingdom on Earth.

This event occurred during the Babylonian Exile (8) (587 BC - 539 BC) when the Israelites (9) were under the control of King Nebuchadnezzar II (10). After being raised up by God (Jeremiah 25:9, 27:6 & 43:10) against His own stiff necked children, Nebuchadnezzar sacked Jerusalem (11), conquered the Southern Kingdom of Judah (12) and took the Israelites into captivity.

Getting back to Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar had a huge image of gold made, assuredly in his own likeness. It stood about 90 feet high and 9 feet wide. Once the statue was completed, all satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and other provincial officials were ordered to come to the dedication of the image he had set up so they could pay homage to it.

When all present were ordered to fall down and worship the image, there were three who did not comply: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. This infuriated Nebuchadnezzar, who threatened to have them thrown into a "blazing furnace." He gave the trio one last chance to submit to his authority, but they refused, saying, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Nebuchadnezzar had heard enough and ordered the furnace heated up seven times hotter than normal. He then had some of his strongest soldiers bound Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the furnace.

As Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace, he saw not 3, but 4 (13) men, "unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” He immediately ordered Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to come out of the furnace and they did. They were completely unharmed by the blazing fires of the furnace.

Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Babylonians (14) and a non-believer of our God, said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent His angel and rescued His servants! They trusted in Him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

Daniel 3 closes with Nebuchadnezzar promoting Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

This account of God's majestic authority and unmatched power shows how He uses even non-believers to do His will. Imagine what God can do for us, His children (15), when we completely surrender to Him!

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

If you're seeking additional information about Christianity on a more personal level, consider visiting a Christian Church here in Marion County (16). Introduce yourself to members and ask to speak with someone to learn more about Jesus. Surrendering your life to Christ (17) (b) is the most rewarding and everlasting decision you'll ever make, and it's comforting to have someone guide you as you begin your new life as a child of the Most High! May God shower you with great favor in this endeavor!

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Footnotes, Page Credits and External Resources appear below. Consider printing and sharing the offered PDF narrative and other listed resources with family, friends and strangers alike for use in Bible Studies (18), Home/Church Faith Sharing Groups (19), Discipleship Encounters and/or Personal Faith Enrichment!

Modifications are welcome at goodnews@marionmannaproject.com.

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

FOOTNOTES:

  (1) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/augustus

  (2) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/luke

  (3) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/shadrach

  (4) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/meshach

  (5) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/abednego

  (6) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/daniel

  (7) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/God-of-the-Bible

  (8) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/exile

  (9) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/israelites

(10) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/Nebuchadnezzar

(11) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/Jerusalem

(12) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/judah-1

(13) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/Jesus-Christ

(14) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/Babylonians

(15) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/discipleship

(16) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/listing-by-city

(17) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-gracious-visitor

(18) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/bible-studies

(19) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/christian-education

PAGE CREDITS:

(a) Bible Gateway, accessed February 19, 2020 (all Bible quotes and links)   https://www.biblegateway.com/

EXTERNAL RESOURCES:

(b)  How Do I Convert to Christianity?, Got Questions Ministries, accessed January 12, 2020    https://www.gotquestions.org/convert-to-Christianity.html