Between roughly 600 – 540 BC Babylon was terrorizing, conquering, and leading the Mediterranean world.  Among the many nations that Babylon subdued was Israel.  Many of the Jews were taken to Babylon as captives.  Daniel three contains the incredible story of Babylon’s pagan king, Nebuchadnezzar, worship requirements.  He had made a massive golden statue of himself (90 feet tall by 9 feet wide) and required that when the call of worship was heralded, all of his subjects were to bow before the statue.  Those who didn’t bow were to be thrown into the fiery furnace.

 

In verse 4 the call to worship goes forth, and all of Nebuchadnezzar’s subjects go down!  All that is, except Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego.  The issue was that these young men took their Jewish faith seriously.  They were not to bow down in worship to anyone other than their God.

 

Of course, powerful, arrogant kings are not usually very accommodating.  Neb certainly was not. He called the three Jewish trouble-making, Babylonian atheists into his office for an official tongue lashing.  After a display of out-of-control anger and threats, he was gracious enough to give them one more chance.  The call to worship would be heralded and the three were to bow down – or be thrown into the fiery furnace.

 

Their response in verses 16-18 has long been known as one of the greatest biblical examples of genuine commitment.

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They begin in verses 16-17:  Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[a] from Your Majesty’s hand.

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These three knew who their God was.  As powerful and intimidating as Nebuchadnezzar was, they knew that their true king, Yahweh, was supremely more powerful. And they had great confidence that God would deliver them. 

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Good Christians have a good “verse 16-17 theology”! They are convinced of God’s power.  They are convinced that in life he is going to wield it for their benefit.  They just know it!  Of course, he will.  That’s who he is.  That’s what he does for his children.  Many have a good “verse 16-17 theology”.  However, a verse 16-17 theology without verse 18 is heresy. 

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In verse 18 they add:  "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.”

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“But even if he does not” … how does that look in our world?

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“I believe that God will give me a godly spouse one day.  But even if he does not, I am going to keep my standards high and honor him in my dating.”

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I believe that God will heal my child.  But even if he does not, I will thank him and worship him as my good God.

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I believe that God will deliver me from this financial downturn that I am in.  But even if he does not, I will honor him with my money.

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I believe that God will give me my dream job one day.  But even if he does not, I will serve him through whatever job I have!

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I believe my God will restore to me a joy and internal peace.  But even if he does not, I will live each moment of my life for him.

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How is your theology today?  Do you hold the typical American verse 16-17 theology or do you embrace verse 18 as well?

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Check out this music video by Mercy Me as you contemplate your commitment to your God.

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