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King Nebuchadnezzar (c 634-562 BC) was a very powerful ruler. To consolidate and preserve his power, control and authority, he did many things. Notably was his effort at social planning by unifying cultures and religions. He ordered the building of a humongous obelisk made of gold extending to a height of 90 ft and 9 ft wide. It was a “syncretistic focal point” that demanded total esteem and obeisance from its citizens and occupants of the land. “Syncretistic” totally spells out the essence of King Nebuchadnezzar’s intention. It means “the attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties, as in philosophy or religion”.
History tells us that three Jewish men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refused to follow the royal edict and for that, they were thrown into the fiery furnace. They were fearless in their conviction, daring in their proclamation of protection and deliverance. They were valiant even in the event that God did not rescue them. To King Nebuchadnezzar they replied: “We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter” (Dan. 3:16). In another Bible Version: “We have no need to answer you.” Their total and absolute trust in God was an opportune moment for the spectacular display of God’s glory and power. All persecutions for the faith are indeed momentous occasions to glorify and exalt the one true God, whether they are recorded in history or not.
The sure and steadfast faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego allows for no compromise, concession or conformity for their conscience just would not cooperate. Isa. 7:9b plainly and aptly demands this stand from our God: “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”
The outcome of this magnificent episode, when King Nebuchadnezzar probably had a glimpse of the divine pre-incarnate Christ as the fourth figure in the fiery furnace, was a moment of his repentance, surrender and acknowledgement of the “Most, High God”. He ceased to resist the truth when faced with proof of his“wrongness and folly”. And truly this is the ultimate focal point of all persecutions and expressions of faith, that Jesus Christ be lifted up and one cease to resist the divine Truth. “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13).
