But if not
October 31, 2018
Camping out in the book of Daniel, I was recently confronted with three small words that typically are read over as if they did not exist. “But if not. . .” Daniel 3: 18. Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego refused to bow down and worship a golden statue as demanded by King Nebuchadnezzar. The king boldly told them they would be burned alive if they refused to do so.
Their conviction was so settled on their God of the Universe in whom they had placed all their trust and their lives that they did not even explain or defend their decision. They stated that if their God could deliver them, let him. (They knew He could!) However, they stated ‘But if not. . “ they would still NOT serve Nebuchadnezzar’s gods.
‘But if not. . “ My friends, that’s true faith.