Nebuchadnezzar wants to give the three friends one more chance. The stress on the three now becomes quite intense. They only have to kneel once before the statue of Nebuchadnezzar and their lives will be spared. The devil’s tactics are often such that at first impression we only have to do just one little thing and everything will be well and good. We do not even have to mean it. We can pretend. Why be difficult?
We also see this strategy of the devil during the life of the Lord Jesus on earth. Think of the temptations in the wilderness. At that time the devil shows Jesus the kingdoms of the world. If the Lord Jesus would kneel before him just once, he will have all kingdoms in his power, and he will not have to suffer for believers on the cross. A life will await him on earth in which he will have much power and receive much honour (see Matthew 4:8–9). The devil loves it when people say, We had better do this because then at least we will keep our influence. If we do not do it, we will lose our place and impact in society.
We tend to think like this and may even consider it as the wise course of action. Yet in the light of what the Lord asks of us, it is disobedience. It is for this very reason that the Lord Jesus responds to the devil, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve"
(Matthew 4:10). During his whole life the Lord Jesus showed us what these words mean. Precisely because of his complete obedience to his Father in heaven, he is condemned to death by men and ends up on that cursed cross – which is such a tremendous blessing for God’s people. For through his suffering Christ also earns the Spirit for believers so that they will remain obedient to God in love for him, against the devilish tide.
15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”