Deeper Reflection
The miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego in the blazing furnace resulted in Nebuchadnezzar
acknowledging “the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego”
(vv.26, 28-29). This pagan acknowledgement of God highlights five
discipleship focuses in discipleship trials.Commitment of God: The expression, “the God of Shadrach,
Meshach and Abednego” (vv.28, 29), points to God’s covenant
relationship with the three youths, which is fundamentally marked
by God’s faithful commitment to them. And their commitment to
God as “servants of the Most High God” (v.26) stands on the divine
commitment. Trust in God: The three youths “put their trust in Him”
(v.28). We can trust in God because of His commitment to us as “our
God” (Dan 3:17). Trusting in God means we “do not lean on your own
understanding” and “do not be wise in your own eyes” (Prov 3:5-7).
Hence, to trust in God is to live by the Word of God. The faithful trio
“trust in Him” by “violating the king’s command” to worship his golden
statute (v.28). In so doing, they obeyed God’s command to worship no
other god “except their own God” (v.28; Exo 20:3). Living in the world,
we are often caught in the contest between the word of men and the
Word of God. Sacrifice to God: “they yielded up their bodies” (v.28).
Fundamental in biblical discipleship is “present your bodies” to God
“as a living sacrifice” (Rom 12:1). This is what worship is. Therefore,
central in biblical discipleship is the glory of God: “Blessed be the
God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego” (v.28).