14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the object of gold that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready to get down on your knees and worship the object I have made when you hear the sound of the horns and harps and all kinds of music, very well. But if you will not worship, you will be thrown at once into the fire. And what god is able to save you from my hands?”
In romance movies, especially Hallmark movies, there is the inevitable second chance. The lovers meet and all is well until something comes up that amounts to a burr underneath the saddle of one of the two star-crossed lovers. This burr causes a rift and a mini war takes place, a kind of break-up, if you will. Don’t cry because the plot never changes in Hallmark movies; the lovers always get back together and make up, the second chance.
Part two of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego comes when the king gives them a second chance. Yes, you guessed it, a glorious second chance to get it right and bow before the ninety-foot-tall statue and worship. He restates the command in verse 15: “Now when you hear the horn, flute (all the instruments) play all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good.”
The temptation to sin never gives up. It never takes a break, it never admits defeat, it never bows out in submission, it never goes away. You have heard from the pulpit that Jesus Christ is the God of second chances. The Veggie Tales even have songs about it. I will bet you forgot that the sin in your life you overcame once before wants a second chance. Just like the king gave Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego a second chance to bow, Satan will not let up on trying to steer you away from following Jesus. That addiction you overcame, the lust you turned away from, the pride of life you humbled yourself from, it was real, and the power of Christ showed up for real. But do not be deceived. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” He will not let up.
Sin always wants a second chance. Will you bow now? How about if I turn up the heat seven times hotter, will you bow? Satan throws out the God card during these second chances as well. He says, “Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Yes, the second chance is always there, and with it comes a hard decision. If you bow, then all will be well, but if you refuse, you may face the furnace. I would rather face the furnace with Christ than bow and worship another god.
Prayer: Lord, strengthen my resolve for you. Help me choose you in all circumstances. I know sin wants a second chance, so help me be strong in the power of your might. In Jesus name, amen.
Let It Go 
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