The Rest of the Story

1. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter.
2. “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire ; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
3. “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3

It’s one of my favorite Bible stories, one to inspire courage and trust. Three Jewish boys stand up to a king, refusing to bow to anything except the true God. They refuse even as they are thrown into a furnace of fire. And then, just as all seems lost, there’s a fourth man in the fire! It is a wonderful, dramatic ending- proof that God has protected His people.

But, did you notice verse three?

“But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

The three boys took their stand without knowing the rest of the story. They didn’t have our perspective of knowing that God was going to step in and save them. They were willing to take a stand either way. They knew God could deliver them from the furnace, but they were willing to take a stand even if He didn’t.

That is real faith.