Daniel 3:16-18 - Genuine Faithfulness and Its Fruit.

Dan 3:16-18; Genuine Faithfulness and Its Fruit.

Dan 3:16-18 (KJV)  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and 
said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee 
in this matter.  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.  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. 

APPLICATION COMMENTARY

Complying with the king's proposal would have meant violating 
the second commandment. The answer of the three men to the threats 
of Nebuchadnezzar is classic. They affirmed their confidence in God 
to deliver them from death, but also declared that they would still 
remain faithful to YAHWEH and refuse to worship the idol at Dura even 
if God did not deliver them. [Believer's SB] 

Their case rested in the hands of their God, and they made their 
answer in complete submission to His will, whatever might be the 
outcome of their trial...... As the case stood, their attitude showed their 
firm conviction that their course of action was the only feasible 
one, which needed no defense, or even further explanation.... God could 
save them if it was best for them and for the glory of His name and 
cause. The "if" should not be taken as an indication of doubt in God's 
power to save, but as an indication of uncertainty as to whether it 
was God's will to save. [SDA Commentary] 

While the faithful men knew that God could deliver them, they 
were also aware that God may have chosen not to do so. Faith in God 
may not translate into victory in every circumstance. To these men 
the outcome was irrelevant, for what was at stake was not God's 
ability or their own lives, but their faith and obedience to serve Him 
regardless of the cost. [Nelson SB] 

Whether God decides to rescue them or not, their faith is fully 
resigned to his will. [NIV SB] 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were pressured to deny God, but 
they chose to be faithful to him no matter what happened! They 
trusted God to deliver them, but they were determined to be faithful 
regardless of the consequences. If God always rescued those who were true 
to him, Christians would not need faith. Their religion would be a 
great insurance policy, and there would be lines of selfish people 
ready to sign up. We should be faithful to serve God whether he 
intervenes on our behalf or not. Our eternal reward is worth any suffering 
we may have to endure first. [Life Application SB] 

The three men did not know for sure that God would deliver them; 
but even if He did not, they would still obey the Lord and not 
worship the king and his idol. Were they trusting Isaiah 41:10 and 43:2? 
The fire brought them two blessings: the Lord came and walked with 
them, and they were set free from their bonds. Fellowship and freedom 
are often found in the midst of the furnace if you are committed to 
the Lord. [Chapter by Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren Wiersbe] 

  What the three exhibited was a quality that you and I need in 
our own spiritual lives. Complete commitment. Commitment so complete 
that even if God does not exert His miracle-working power on our 
behalf, even then we will serve God and Him only. 
  I'm not sure, but I suspect the faith of the three Hebrews was 
almost as impressive to Nebuchadnezzar as the miracle. It is to me. And 
it reminds me that as much as I like guarantees, I must commit 
myself to God in every situation of life with absolutely no assurance 
that He will perform miracles on my behalf. 
  But then, you and I do have one guarantee, after all. Our God, 
who has power to do whatever He wills, is wise enough to do not what 
I want, but what is best. 
  And this is the best guarantee of all. [The 365-Day Devotional 
Commentary] 

How We Live - Dealing With Problems
  As stressful as life is, few of us face situations as 
stressful as being thrown into a blazing fire. Daniel's three friends 
faced certain and horrific death because they refused to disobey God 
and bow down to the idol. They dealt with this deadly problem head 
on: "Because we love God, we will be obedient. Because we trust him, 
we know he will do what is best."   
  What difference would it make in the day-to-day problems you 
face if you believed God was with you and able to deliver you--maybe 
not the way you expect, but that he will indeed do so? Think about 
the stress points you endure during a week. Think about the fears 
and worries about what might happen or what has happened. You can 
face them with clear-headedness, faith, and courage when you believe 
God's goodness waits for you at the other side of whatever fire you're 
facing.   
  Look past the fire to what is deep within-that "fourth 
man"--that unexpected lesson, that unseen rescue, that unknown comfort. Let 
your problems be an opportunity for you to see God and experience 
what he can do! [The One Year Bible for New Believers re Dan. 
3:16-18] 

Faith has such trust in God's love and power that believers hold 
to God no matter what happens, no matter who seeks to change their 
minds, or what threats they face. [Disciple SB]