God's Deliverance in the Burning Furnace
Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were captured inIsrael and taken to Babylon along with other Jews. After being in Babylon for abou tfifteen years, Daniel was given a very high position in the empire.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were also put in charge of the business ofthe empire. They were not only judges and managers, but supervised business for King Nebuchadnezzar. The king had chosen them for these high positions becausehe knew they were very smart and honest men.
In such high positions, they had many enemies. Their enemies were jealous ofthe king’s favor to them and plotted against Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. But they could find nothing they could say against these men of God whose everyact was good and honest
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1: The Requirement of Idolatric Worship (Daniel 3:15)
King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that all people bow down and worship the golden image he had set up. However, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to compromise their faith by bowing down to an idol, knowing that God alone is worthy of worship.
2: The Courage of the Three Young Men (Daniel 3:16)
Despite the king's threat of death in the fiery furnace, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego displayed incredible courage and resolve. They stood firm in their conviction that they would not worship any god except the God of Israel, even if it meant facing the most severe consequences.
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee anygraven—image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is inthe earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow downthyself to them, nor serve them.” —Exodus 20:3-5
“Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standingimage.” —Lev. 26:1
“Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them.” —Ex 23:24
3: The King's Fury (Daniel 3:19)
Enraged by their refusal to obey his command, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. His fury knew no bounds as he sought to punish those who dared to defy his authority.
4: Trust in Divine Protection (Daniel 3:17)
In the face of certain death, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego placed their trust completely in God's divine protection. They declared to the king that even if God did not deliver them from the fiery furnace, they would still not bow down to the golden image.
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5: The Miracle of Divine Protection (Daniel 3:25)
As Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were cast into the blazing furnace, God performed a miraculous intervention. Instead of being consumed by the fire, they walked unharmed in the midst of the flames, accompanied by a fourth figure who appeared to be like a son of the gods.
6: The Recognition of Divine Intervention (Daniel 3:28)
Witnessing the incredible sight of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walking unharmed out of the fiery furnace, King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the supremacy and power of the God of Israel. He praised God for sending His angel to rescue His servants who trusted in Him.
7: The Lesson of Faithfulness and Obedience (Daniel 3:29)
Through the courage and faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we learn the importance of remaining obedient to God, even in the face of adversity. Their unwavering commitment to God's commandments resulted in divine deliverance and honor.
8: The Glory Given to God before the Peoples (Daniel 3:30)
The miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace brought glory and honor to God's name before all the peoples and nations gathered in Babylon. Their steadfast faithfulness served as a powerful testimony to the greatness and faithfulness of God.
Conclusion:
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego reminds us that God is always faithful to deliver His people in times of trial and persecution. Their unwavering faith and courage in the face of the fiery furnace serve as an inspiration for us to remain faithful and obedient to God, even when we face challenges and opposition. May we trust in God's divine protection and sovereignty, knowing that He is able to deliver us from every trial and adversity. Let us honor and glorify His name in all that we do, just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did, and may our lives serve as a testimony to His greatness and faithfulness
