In an age of retribution, it is becoming unusual to speak truth to power. People are fearful of losing their jobs and being unable to support their families and lifestyles. Mortgage payments, children’s education tuition, car payments, and other financial obligations are at risk. House foreclosure, eviction, repossessions, and homelessness are real possibilities without an income.
Speaking up to the ‘powers that be’ may not only result in firing but may also lead to harassment or even physical harm.
We’re not disillusioned. Speaking truth to power isn’t easy unless one is anchored to the highest power, Jesus Christ, who has not some power but all power.
Today, wouldn’t it be great if we had more Shadrach (s), Meshach (s), and Abednego (s)?
These three Hebrew boys sang from the same hymn book and recited the same prayer because they believed in the God of truth, who has supreme power. They knew no power on earth was greater than God, the maker of humanity, the heavens, and earth.
These Hebrew boys were raised to obey the true God and reverence Him only.
Guess what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego told King Nebuchadnezzar when he commanded them to bow and worship his idol god?
They said, “We are not careful to answer thee in this matter (Daniel 3:16 KJV).”
In other words, they would not dance around. They would not hesitate or clear their throats. They would respond to the king without fear of retribution. They would speak truth to a man who had limited power, who had no more power than God allowed him to have.
Today, we’re careful to say this or that to avoid creating offences. Often, we forgo speaking the truth to maintain relationships, harmony, and social standing.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were courageous and faithful to their convictions and beliefs, even when facing the prospect of being thrown into a fiery furnace.
Imagine a gold statue in the middle of a plain that expands the edges of the sky, north, south, east, and west. The 90-foot idol god was nine feet wide and probably weighed more than 500 tons.
The idol looked menacing and powerful but had ears that couldn’t hear the rain, a mouth that couldn’t speak or eat, and hands that couldn’t protect itself.
Yes, the king had his army and a fiery furnace.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had God, who never fails those who love and trust Him.
After their prelude about not being afraid, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego expressed that one of two things would be their fate, and they were prepared and satisfied for either result.
In verse 17, they said, ‘”If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.”‘
The next possibility is stated in verse 18,” But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”
They said God would either deliver them or permit them to perish in the fire. Whether He delivered them or not, God was able to do so. Either way, they revered God.
Read the rest of the story in Daniel 3 and see how God used three boys to proclaim an eternal truth to a nation and a king.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego spoke truth to power, and we can do the same with courage and faith in the all-powerful God.
I hope you are happy and well.