For those of us raised in Sunday School, a Bible story about three men and a mandate is most timely. As airlines, commerce, and education screech to a halt in light of mandates such as President Biden’s order to as many as 100 million Americans to get vaccinated or else, it’s worth considering whether that kind of pressure is a long-term play. Pronouncements about “the science” have changed like a weather report, with each new finding treated like biblical truth rather than an educated guess. But as our current generation of rulers threaten their own version of a fiery furnace moment, it’s worth considering what happened last time.

Refusing an Arbitrary and Offensive Order

As the book of Daniel describes, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were taken prisoner as boys to serve a conquering king and lived in Babylon where they worked in government. By all accounts, they were talented. When they were evaluated by the civil service test of the day, King Nebuchadnezzar “found none equal” and awarded them top posts. But like a lot of men reading their own news releases, the king decided that in his pluralistic society, all must bend the knee to an idol of gold he had built when ordered. Perhaps it was either build an idol or collect an Emmy for the rulers of the time.

Idol worship was common in that day, and people engaged in the practice for good luck, protection, and as part of their traditions. But not everyone.

The King ordered that any who would not bow the knee when they heard his theme song would be thrown in the fiery furnace. Three men took him at his word, refusing the arbitrary and offensive order, as they explained that their faith (perhaps known today as a request for a religious exemption) would not allow it.

Faced with loss of position and even loss of life, the three men respectfully said “No” to the mandate, as recorded in Daniel 3, “(W)e do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.” Their beliefs were more important to them, and faced with possible deadly consequences, they pledged to stand strong, saying that they could be rescued by God himself “but if not” they would hold to their belief, no matter what. Powerful words backed up by actions that inspired others.

Making a Grave Choice

In World War II, in the summer of 1940 when more than 350,000 mostly British soldiers were trapped in Dunkirk by Nazi forces, a grave choice was made. The allied forces radioed for help, but sent three words to communicate their commitment to stand firm should it not arrive … “But if not.” They would pay the price for believing in freedom from tyranny if needed.

For those who like to skip to the end of stories, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into an inferno and were saved by a miracle, and at Dunkirk, the British rose to the challenge of rescuing their heroes.

What these stories have in common is the reality that everyday people can only be pushed so far before they take a stand against those forcing a bended knee to power-infused bullies and tyrants.

Enter Dr. Anthony Fauci

Enter Dr. Anthony Fauci whose only consistent impact during the COVID pandemic has been his presence on television. Across the government and now extending into businesses worldwide are mandates rooted in the study of the moment, or more likely, the mood of decision makers. The truth of this is seen in a “do as I say, not as I do” attitude from power brokers exempting themselves from the plights of common people, including President Biden who violated his own federal mask mandate hours after signing it.

Ironically, obedience doesn’t equal freedom either. You could say, Damned if you do, and damned if you don’t when it comes to the shots. (For the record, I got them. My body; my choice right? Or is that only for abortion.)

There Comes a Time When People Say, “No.”

But it turns out that when you push people up against a wall, or a furnace, there comes a time when people say, “No.”

In Fauci’s Fiery Furnace redo, where careers, companies, and Christmas are his to command, the powerful assume that the little people will comply or die. The media trumpets sound about how people are to behave, yet some resist.

At some point, arbitrary powerplays will be met with opposition. One can hope that public health discussions fueled by less hubris can be engaged on COVID before it’s too late, “but if not,” people are starting to say that they will take the consequences for refusing to bend the knee to those whose only authority is found in jobs they hold today. And that can change.

Kristi Stone Hamrick is a media consultant and commentator and works as Chief Media and Policy Strategist for Students for Life of America. The views expressed are her own.