When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were ordered to bow down before the idol constructed by the Babylonians their response was definitive. Standing before what was likely the most powerful man alive in that time period they spoke with great boldness saying, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.”

They knew that their position had been settled long before the order was given. Their God had declared to their ancestors, “You will have no other gods before Me.”

They did not say, “I will not bow IF…”
“I will not bow if You preserve my finances.”
“I will not bow if You protect my title and position.”
“I will not bow if You take care of my family.”
“I will not bow if You deliver me from death.”
No, their answer was, “I will not bow… PERIOD.”

“…our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.””

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were delivered from the fire. Despite the it being heated to seven times its normal temperature the only thing of theirs consumed on that day were the ropes which had been fastened around their hands and their feet. The fire was so hot that three men died just by coming too close to it yet Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walked around in the blazing flames in the same way a man might stroll in his living room. Not only that, they were joined by a fourth of whom Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Looks like a son of the gods.”

The story is miraculous to say the least but Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had no idea how it would turn out. They had no idea whether they would live or die and frankly, it didn’t matter to them. Their decision was not contingent on the outcome. They were holding fast to the word of God and they would not bow before any idol.

The time is coming in America… in fact it already has. The people of our nation bow before many idols. No one is forced to their knees. They willing go. They bow before jobs and cars. They bow before homes and bank accounts. They bow before popularity and fame. All of this has happened even before the idol has been constructed and the command has been given.

The time is coming where we will be told, “You bow or you die.” Some will respond to this by saying, “God will understand why I had to deny Him. He knows that I have a family to look after. He knows I have a car payment, a house payment and a career.” Yes, He does know and that is exactly why He will NOT understand.

He says, “Do not place gods before Me.” He says, “Don’t value the gifts I have given you so greatly that you would deny Me as the giver.”

Now is the time to steel your resolve. Now is the time to make your decision. Don’t wait until the fire is heated and your hands and feet are bound.

Declare it now, “I will not bow!”

~ Mitch Salmon

Mitch Salmon is the founder of Fisher of Men Productions and a follower of Jesus Christ and proclaimer of the Good News – The Gospel of Christ Jesus!