Even If

*Old Testament: Daniel 3 & 4

Poetry: Psalm 115

New Testament: Matthew 1

Millennials like myself will forever remember being engrossed in the dramatic animated retelling of Daniel chapter 3 in which our favorite anthropomorphic cucumber, tomato, and asparagus are punished for not bowing down to the giant chocolate bunny. While I appreciate the kid-friendly way in which Veggie Tales retold this story, the true account is quite dark and sad.

King Nebuchadnezzar, like many rulers in history, was very narcissistic. In the beginning of this book, we read how King Nebby (as we’ll call him for short) besieged Judah, claiming their strongest, handsomest, smartest young men as prisoners of war. It might sound nice that he ordered them to have the best food and education, but in reality, Nebby was trying to raise up men for his personal service who would be well-trained and informed about religions and philosophies that were contrary to the teachings of the God of Israel. Nebby even went so far as to try to remove their identities by changing their Hebrew names, which were rich with meaning and remembrance of the one true God, to Babylonian names referencing their false gods – Daniel to Belteshazzar, Hananiah to Shadrach, Mishael to Meshach, and Azariah to Abednego. (Fun fact: My oldest son, Azariah, is named after this character, whose name means “he who YHWH (God) helps”). I’ll refer to them with their Hebrew names during these readings. 

In chapter three, we observe Nebby announcing a law that whenever the ceremonial music begins, everyone must immediately bow to the obscenely large statue (idol) of himself. And if they don’t obey? They will be tossed into the furnace! Daniel and his friends had remained faithful to God, even in a foreign land with all kinds of pleasures, and they weren’t about to back down now. And so, when everyone else bowed, they stood. 

King Nebby, upon hearing of their disobedience, summoned Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to his presence. He gives them another chance to worship him and spare their lives. “But if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?” 

King Nebby obviously didn’t know the One True God but was about to be overwhelmed by His power! The three men wisely replied, “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.” (I imagine there was a dramatic pause here as the men looked into each other’s eyes, realized the potential implications of their choice, took a deep breath, and regained their courage.) “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 you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18, NIV)

“Even if.” Two tiny words expressing such immense faith. 

“Even if.” Even IF God doesn’t come through in the way we hoped, we wouldn’t do anything differently. Even IF God doesn’t answer my prayers, I will not turn from Him. Even IF He seems absent, we can be confident that God is working behind the scenes. 

Well, if their confident, faith-filled response didn’t just burn the king’s biscuits! And he was about to burn theirs, quite literally! King Nebby, bubbling over with anger, ordered the already-scorching furnace to be made seven times hotter. When the guards threw in Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, the guards were consumed with fire and died. The king’s wrath turned to surprise when he noticed four men walking around in the fire. Awestruck, King Nebby ordered them to be removed from the fire. It is noted in the scripture that not a hair was singed, and they did not even smell like smoke. The King, beyond astonished by the miracle, declared their God to be the only one who is worshiped in his kingdom, and the three men prospered in Babylon. 

Even though the king had changed their names, he could NOT change their allegiance; the faithfulness of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah during a very fearful time allowed God to demonstrate His power. 

God didn’t save them FROM the fire; he saved them IN the fire. Even if He seems distant or you don’t understand your current struggle, continue being faithful. You might have to face some rain before you see a rainbow or go through the fire before you are refined? Continue seeking Him. He will show up, and your faithfulness will not go unnoticed. 

Reflection & APPLICATION:

-How has God saved you in the past?
-What did you learn from “going through the fire” that you would not have learned if he had saved you from the entire situation at the start?
-Give thanks for His provision! 

-Rachel Cain