Theory question 102
Faith, Courage and ProtectionGive an Account of the religious persecution suffered by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and comment on any point of significance about it.
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King Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image on the plain of Dura and ordered all to worship it at the sound of music (Daniel 3:1-6).
Anyone who refused would be thrown into a burning fiery furnace.
Some Chaldeans accused Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego of refusing to serve the king's gods (Daniel 3:8-12).
In fury the king questioned them and gave them another chance.
They replied that God could deliver them, but even if He did not, they would not worship the image (Daniel 3:16-18).
The furnace was heated seven times hotter; they were bound and thrown in, and the flames killed the men who threw them (Daniel 3:19-23).
The king saw four men walking unhurt in the fire, the fourth like a son of the gods (Daniel 3:24-25).
They came out unharmed, not even smelling of fire; the king praised their God, decreed against blaspheming Him and promoted them (Daniel 3:26-30).
Significance: faith and courage in the face of persecution; loyalty to God above the state; God protects those who trust Him; their stand led even a pagan king to acknowledge the true God.
Tell the story fully, then give at least one clear lesson.