Today, most cultures are kinder and gentler than previous civilizations. Except for a few primitive and extreme cultures, gone are the days of public hangings and gas chambers for people who break the law. In the days of King Nebuchadnezzar, if you didn’t strictly adhere to his commands, you were killed in the furnace.
King Neby made a decree in Daniel 3 which went against the 10 commandments God gave Moses in Exodus 20. Instead of bowing to an idol to please the king, Shadrech, Meshach and Abendnego refused to compromise their Jewish beliefs. After being exposed by some astrologers, of all people, these 3 were given one more chance before being ushered off to the furnace. Holding to their principles, these young men were willing to die rather than deny their God.
While in the furnace, the king notices something unusual, a fourth person inside, Daniel 3:24-25. According to king Neby, this other person looked like Jesus, the son of God. In the end, the king gives the word to turn off the furnace, open the door and praise these 3 servants of the most high God. Unfortunately, Shadrech, Meshach and Abendnego had to endure the furnace so that the king of Babylon could be introduced to the one true God.
According to Daniel 3:27, no one was harmed by the flames, divinely protected by the Lord. Although I have not been thrown into a furnace, I feel as if my 9 month long trial has left me toasted, charred and well done. I am not sure if Shadrech, Meshach and Abendnego saw Jesus or talked to Him while in the fire. Yet, I need to trust God that while my own faith is being refined, Jesus is with me unto the very end, 1 Peter 1:6-7. For anyone else in a trial, let a mustard seed size of faith keep you calm until the fire is turned off!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 