Daniel 3:28a Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants!
Bless Nebuchadnezzar’s heart. He was enraged that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t bow down to his idols, so he threw them into the furnace. He was amazed when they came out unscathed, so he….threatens annihilation for anyone who says anything about their God.
Daniel 3:26b …They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.
Hmmm…It doesn’t look like he learned much from this experience. He doesn’t embrace their God. He simply changes his threat from If you don’t bow down to my idol, I will kill you to If you say anything bad about their God (whom I still don’t believe in), I will kill you and burn down your home. Not much growth there.
Daniel 3:29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”
Precious Savior, It is frustrating to read about the miracle you performed right in front of Nebuchadnezzar’s eyes and to see that not even that turned his heart to You (though there is some growth. He stops threatening to kill them at least). My job isn’t to change hearts, Lord. That’s Your job. Help me remember that all I can do is shine Your light. You will do the rest. Amen.
Daniel 3:30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
Have a blessed day.