Boldness.

I love the book of Daniel.

After Nebuchadnezzar built a large image of Gold, he demanded all the inhabitants of Babylon to bow down to it

“Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” Daniel: 3:6

However, a certain 3 Hebrew Boys decided otherwise-

See the Israelites were instructed to never bow down to any carved image. and this wasn’t just any rule, this was a commandment given by God, the Holy one of Israel.

“You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God.” – Leviticus 26:1

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were exiles living in Babylon and although the majority of exiles took on the customs and ways of Babylon forgetting the God of their ancestors, these boys did not.

No matter where they were, Serving and Honoring the one true living God was required.

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

THEM BOYS WERE MICHAEL JACKSON BAD ‼️

Of course, Nebuchadnezzar becomes outraged. Not only were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refusing to bow down, challenging the powers that be but the corresponding punishment for their rebellion didn’t move them one bit. They were the literal definition of the word: unmoved

If refusing to bow down meant death, so be it

A glaring testament of boldness and bravery for us all.

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” – Proverbs 28:1

Jesus prevails

Amen

and

Amen

🕊️