The three words made famous by the three Hebrew resisters, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The story is familiar to millions—complete with a megalomaniac king, an occultic society, and religious oppression. The entire nation was told to gather before the 90 foot tall replica of King Nebuchadnezzar and await the sound of music. Once the music began to play, the people were to bow down and worship the stature. But the three Hebrews took issue with that—they knew that there was only one God and His name was most definitely not Nebuchadnezzar!
The long and short of it was that the music played and everyone bowed—everyone but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that is.
Old King Nebby was none too happy with the three rebels and decided the only good rebel was a roasted rebel. So, into the fiery furnace they went. And Neb waited for the dissidents to cook. Only the protesters wouldn’t poach! In fact, they made out better than a stunt man in a fire retardant suit on the set of Backdraft! Not even a hair on their heads was singed!
And the rest, as they say, is biblical (the truest kind) history!
And to this day, the three Hebrews are remembered for their powerful faith and amazing courage under fire (no pun intended). They moved from victoms to victors by standing with God against culture.
But when was the exact moment of victory do you suppose?
See if you can spot it below in Daniel 3:16-18.
“16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.[d] 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Three little words…”But if not.”
Sadly, many Christians these days seem to want to create God in their image rather than conforming to His. We judge God based on whether or not He comes through for us and cheer Him adamantly when we are,
- Comfortable
- Wealthy
- Problem free
- Popular
- Healthy
And doubt Him when we,
- Lose our job
- Marriage isn’t saved
- Get sick
- Lose money on an investment
Might I suggest that we have it all backwards? The victory isn’t actually won when we are cozy and rich. The victory is won when we determine in our hearts that there is a bigger story under way than just ours. I’m talking about His story (History). And sometimes our part in that requires us to let go of our own comfort and popularity. Sometimes our role is to stand while everyone else bows. Sometimes our part is to predetermine to follow Him no matter the cost, whether we’re rich or poor, healthy or not, rescued from every trial or allowed to go through some. Sometimes the greatest victory is quietly achieved in our hearts when we let go of our own agenda and succumb to three of the most powerful words ever…
But If Not.
* Hey Impactors, who are you bringing with you to church THIS weekend? It’s Palm Sunday and the gospel is once again going out. Remember, the harvest is ripe…we just need to bring it in!!