The story of Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego from the Book of Daniel in the Bible is a favorite of Johnny’s, which tells us of how three Jewish men who refused to worship false idols or bow down to the King of Babylon during that time, King Nebuchadnezzar. During that time period, the Jewish people were oppressed by the Babylonians and were encouraged – and even forced – to worship false gods. The three men grew up to be wise and were appointed as high Babylonian officials. With such a high position within the king’s court, other officials became jealous of the three men and convinced the king to command that all of his subjects bow down and worship the idol and god of Babylon. When the men refused, King Nebuchadnezzar threw them into a fiery furnace that was heated seven times it’s usual temperature.

The Jewish men had faith that God would save them from the fire. After throwing them into the furnace, King Nebuchadnezzar realized that he saw four men alive in the flames – Shadrach, Meschach, Abednego and the son of God – completely unharmed. With great fear and admiration, the king brought them out of the flames, promoted them to a high position within their government and decreed that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob could be worshiped in their land.

“This true story is so compelling and drips with ‘Texas Grit,’” Johnny Rose said. “Those boys had to be from Texas! They have to be where our ancestors came from and eventually moved to Texas. They were ‘outsiders’ working in a place they were forced to live, yet prospered because of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Insiders became jealous and tried to set them up with the king.”

Threatened with an awful death, they stuck to their principles and their commitment to God, Rose said.

“That is being bold, brave and courageous,” he said. “Laying it all on the line for God. They would not fall down and worship the image of the king. Could or would we be able to do that? You don’t know until it’s right in front of you. 

“We have to make a decision on who’s side we’re on: God’s side or the side of evil. If you stay on the fence, then the devil owns the fence. I took an oath to protect, preserve, and to defend the U.S. and Texas Constitutions, and I have a blood oath/covenant with Jesus, so I have to dig in and stand for God and my family. Stand for my kids and grandkids and all the service members men and women who have bled and died for this nation. We cannot let their sacrifice be in vain. 

“Politicians take the same oath and the majority of them have done nothing to defend this nation or its citizens. That’s who I blame are the ones who say what you want to hear and do the opposite or worse – do nothing. Their days are coming to an end, and they will be replaced with God’s people who will stand for this nation and for God!”

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Daniel 3:16-28 (New Living Translation)

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

The Blazing Furnace

19 Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. 20 Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. 22 And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. 23 So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames.

24 But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?”

“Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied.

25 “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god[a]!”

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”

So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. 27 Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.