Faith Through Fireਨਮੂਨਾ

At the King’s Command

It’s hard for westerners to understand a monarch, a ruler who rules a dynasty. Lives are in the balance at the whim of a monarch. Decrees are written for all to obey at the direction of a monarch. But when you choose to disregard the edict, it’s an act of treason. In the West, you can complain, criticize, even protest your disagreements. But in this era of rulership under King Nebuchadnezzar, you may think twice. Your disagreements could cost you your very life. How sobering it would have been to simply disagree. To disobey in the face of a ruler who swept up your people, pillaged the town you lived in, and brought you as a slave to a different world, country, and way of life, far from all you’ve known … and now to serve a foreign king.

King Nebuchadnezzar crafted an ornament of his affection, prowess, and power for all to admire and fear. Yet word was catching wind through the corridors of the palace that the Hebrew young men would not bow in allegiance. You can feel the tension in the air — they are done.

What would you have decided?

Friends, we have similar decisions in front of us every day. Modern-day objects of power raised up before us and fear forcing us to bow to its will. But what will make you most like the Hebrew young men is your resolve of not bowing. There weren’t court systems, lawyers, or a judge. No, there was an immediate ruling of death. The Hebrew young men knew the consequences and they still didn’t bow.

The question on the table in our day is, will you?