The Fiery Furnace
Scripture Reading — Daniel 3:8-30
. . . And these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
King Nebuchadnezzar had made an image of gold and had ordered people to bow down and worship it (Daniel 3:1-6). But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to do that, because they did not worship idols or other gods. They worshiped only the true God. So the king’s astrologers spoke against these men and said they should be thrown into a blazing furnace.
Let’s look at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s reply: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
They said they would not worship the image of gold for any reason, even if God did not deliver them. They were determined to obey God, and they trusted in God to protect their souls even if the fire killed them and burned them up. Many people expect “realistic compensation” for their actions, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declared that they would obey God, no matter what happened.
What incredible faith! And God protected them from the fire when they refused to compromise their faith.
Almighty God, let us live by faith and not follow the powers of this world, even if they demand our loyalty. Help us to trust that you will deliver us always, whether in this life or the next. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Jang Ho Park
Jang Ho Park is a pastor in Tacoma, Washington. He and his wife, Jong Boon, have two sons.
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