S – If the God we serve exists, then he can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and he can rescue us from the power of you, the king. ¹⁸ But even if he does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”

Daniel 3:17–18 CSB

O – Commentary:

The three showed absolute confidence in God, stating that their God was greater than Nebuchadnezzar and was able to deliver them from Nebuchadnezzar’s judgment in a display of His superior power. Their words, the God we serve (cf. 6:16, 20), show they recognized that God’s authority was greater than the authority claimed by Nebuchadnezzar. Though they were employed by Nebuchadnezzar (2:49), they “served” Yahweh.

Their God demanded implicit obedience and had forbidden them to worship any other gods. One who obeys God is not presuming when he expects God to protect and deliver him. Obeying God was more important than life to these three, so if God chose not to deliver them, they would still obey Him. Therefore they refused to serve Nebuchadnezzar’s gods (or worship the image he made, possibly meaning to worship him as god) even if it meant they would die

 “Daniel,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Obedience comes with a price tag.  Sometimes, it causes you to stand out.  There are time it will cost you more than you expected.  With God, there is a reward for obeying His Word above all  the world offers.  When we are faithful and courageous, God will meet us in that step and demonstrate his presence and power.

R – Heavenly Father, you alone are God and there is no other.  Help us to obey your Word with faith and confidence.  We recognize the cost and still move toward you in obedience.  We ask for your presence and power in all that we do.