Intrusion: In the Furnace


Final installment of this preaching series is "In the Furnace" which focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from Daniel 3.  A brief historical context -- King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Jerusalem and he chooses the most knowledgeable and able young men to be trained in the Babylonian culture so that they may become administrators in the kingdom.  Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were among those chosen.

King Nebuchadnezzar set up an image of gold 90 ft high and 9 ft wide and issued a command that when the music is played, everyone must bow down and worship the image.  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not bow down and were brought to the king for questioning.  King Nebuchadnezzar offered them another chance to do so or else they will be thrown into the blazing furnace.

“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 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.” (Daniel 3:16-18)

Later in the story, King Nebuchadnezzar saw a fourth man walking with  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fire. He called the three out and they were unharmed.  Only the thing that bound them were burned in the fire.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew that the God they serve is able and willing to deliver them from harm.  They knew and obeyed God.  They were already spiritually fire-proof being physically fire-proof.  The powerful statement here is 'But even if he does not...'  I hope to remember this verse especially in difficult circumstances...

VCF Fort,  Pastor Jeff, March 25, 2012

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