One of many many issues I really like concerning the Bible is that God typically exhibits us His energy in methods which can be completely excessive. He makes issues so clear that any doubt about His energy melts away. In Daniel 3, we get to see a kind of instances the place God completely slays the unattainable. As we speak, I need to concentrate on the fiery furnace story and what it means for our lives.
Strolling By the Fireplace of Life
We’ve got all been there, proper? Standing in the course of a “fiery furnace” second. It’d appear to be monetary stress, a scary prognosis, or crushing loneliness. These flames really feel relentless. No consolation in sight. However right here’s the gorgeous half: Daniel 3 reminds us we by no means should face the hearth alone.
The Story Behind Daniel 3
Within the ebook of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem’s greatest younger men- together with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (later named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) and brings them to Babylon to study new pagan customs and languages.
The king subsequently builds a large golden picture and instructions everybody to worship it. It was unimaginable to these three trustworthy Jews.
Nebuchadnezzar threatens anybody who refuses to be thrown right into a blazing furnace (Daniel 3:6)
When the three associates stand agency, the king orders the furnace heated seven instances hotter. The troopers who throw them in perish beneath the extreme warmth!
The king jumps to his ft in amazement seeing not three, however 4 males strolling round, untouched by the flames, and the fourth seems to be like “a son of the gods.” (Daniel 3:25)
The king comes close to to the opening and shouts on the males to come back out. The three males emerge unbound, unburned, and “not even the odor of fireplace was on them.” (v27)
Nebuchadnezzar couldn’t deny the ability of the Hebrews’ God and promoted them in his kingdom.
Who Was the Fourth Man within the Fireplace?
Many Biblical students say the Greek translation is “angel”, whereas others use “angel of the Lord,” one other time period for the pre-‑incarnate look of Christ. The textual content retains it considerably mysterious, however the level is evident: God was with them of their worst trial, simply as Isaiah 43:2 guarantees:
“Once you go via the water, I will probably be with you; while you go via the rivers, they won’t sweep over you. Once you stroll via the hearth, you’ll not be burned; the flames is not going to set you ablaze. For I’m the Lord your God.” Isaiah 43:2-3.
What This Means for Us
Listed below are the teachings we are able to apply at the moment:
God is with us within the hearth.
The true miracle is God’s presence within the trial. He’s there to consolation and information as we look ahead to His timing to unfold. God allowed the flames, however we don’t should be afraid; He walks with us.
The ache and sorrow of trials is not going to overwhelm us as a result of we’re His. He’s with us each tick of the clock as we look ahead to deliverance, drying our tears and holding us shut.
Keep robust and brave in our religion.
Our three heroes have been unwilling to compromise their perception in God. They may have made excuses and rationalizations to bow down (“it’s not that unhealthy”, “it’s not hurting anybody”), however they nonetheless would have been disobeying God’s command.
All of us face the identical decisions in who and what we worship at the moment (and use the identical excuses!).
Belief in God’s love and care irrespective of how sizzling the flames.
Zechariah describes a future righteous remnant of Israelites who will belief and observe God but undergo many troublesome circumstances. God says:
“This third I’ll carry into the hearth, I’ll refine them like silver, take a look at them like gold. They may name on my title, and I’ll reply them; I’ll say, They’re my individuals: and they’re going to say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”Zechariah 13:9.
God can use our flames as a “refining hearth.” These flames don’t destroy however cleanse.
They filter out the sinful nature we struggle with every day. He can use them to form us nearer to His picture, remodeling us into the likeness of Christ.
Trusting Even “If Not”
Bear in mind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s daring declare: “Our God is ready to ship us… however even when He doesn’t, we would like you to know, O king, that we are going to not serve your gods or worship the picture of gold you’ve gotten arrange.” (Daniel 3:17-18)
That “even when not” exhibits a religion deeper than simply wanting a miracle. It’s full give up to God’s will, regardless of the final result.
What an exquisite act of religion to emulate. Our trials form our belief. We are able to emerge stronger, not scorched!
Remaining Ideas
Surviving the fiery furnace is however a method God exhibits us His mighty energy. He actually is the God of the unattainable! By all legal guidelines of nature, the hearth ought to have incinerated Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego instantly. Solely God may have saved them.
We can also emerge from the flames with a deeper intimacy with God and a brand new reliance on His energy. We’ve felt it, we’ve seen it, and we’ve come out of the hearth not smelling of smoke, however with a candy aroma of renewed energy and hope for our future.
We might emerge from our fiery furnace exhausted and with a couple of scars. However we stroll out with God, and that makes all of the distinction.
It doesn’t matter what your trial at the moment, know this: You aren’t strolling alone. You stroll with the identical God who walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! That’s our most treasured promise.
Reflections:
Mirror in your dedication to God. Are you loyal to Him within the small issues and the large ones?
Do you belief God in your fiery trials even while you don’t know the outcome? Or do you emerge from the hearth stinking of smoky bitterness towards God, your circumstances, and so on.?
Are there any areas in your life the place you compromise, rationalize, or make excuses to disobey God’s directives?
Blessings!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New Worldwide Model until specified in any other case.
Picture Credit score: Canva
