Scripture:
Daniel 3:16-25 NKJV
[16] Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. [17] If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. [18] But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” [19] Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. [20] And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. [21] Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. [22] Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. [23] And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. [24] Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” [25] “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
Observation:
If you have ever been to Sunday school as a kid, you can probably tell this story. Now I’m just going to be honest I’m not sure why every childhood Sunday school teacher wanted to teach about three men who got thrown in a fire, but hey that’s why I’m not a Sunday school teacher. As far as hearing it today, it makes sense to me because we all know what it feels like to be under pressure. Nebuchadnezzar was a king who thought he was worthy of worship. He had built a powerful kingdom. One that had been able to conquer a large portion of the known world at that time. At this point, in his rule, he had over taken GOD’S chosen people and did his best to make them forget about GOD. Retraining them, giving them new names based on the gods that he worshiped. He even did his best to change the very food that they ate and commanded them to bow down to a statue of his image. However, not knowing the devotion of the 4 Hebrew boys he had chosen to brain wash. He ended up picking a fight with YAHWAH HIMSELF. Completely unaware of it. He built a statue and commanded them to bow down to it, and they refused. After having made a decree that there would be strict punishment for all who did not fall in line. He had to do something about their rebellion. Ordering the furnace to be heated 10 times hotter than ever before. He commanded the three boys to be thrown in. But that’s when GOD showed up. We all know the story the furnace was so hot it killed the men who had taken the three Hebrew, yet they entered the furnace unafraid and with the confidence of the victory that they had already been given. As the fire raged all around them, the heat so hot that no one could stand it. They walked around unaffected at all. As the king looked into the furnace to see his handy work. He was amazed by what he saw. Knowing he had thrown three Hebrew boys in the fire, he saw four men walking around in the fire. One of which looked like the sin of man. In other words, GOD, HIMSELF, also known as Jesus christ.
Application:
I’m not sure if anyone knows it or not, but every morning, I get up and write a SOAP. I am preaching to me. I’m going to tell you the pressure in life is real. It seems to be a theme. I know a lot of people who are just going through it. The situation in life can sometimes get to what we see as unbearable. But we have to stand firm in our faith. I was thinking about that and looking at the armor of GOD… did you know in that description that Paul expressed in the letter to the Ephesians that there is nothing to protect your back? I used to wonder why that was. But then I realized GOD does not want us to run. In the letter to the Hebrews, HE tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace. Philippians chapter 3 and verse 14 say to press on towards the goal of the prize of the upward call of GOD. Hebrews chapter 11 and verse 6 say it is impossible to please GOD without faith. So I want to tell you that as I stand here in the fire. Not knowing what to do. I know that my GOD is able to do far more than I could ever ask or imagine. The possibilities are endless. That leaves me with a question, though… does the fire scare you? If we are honest, we would have to say yes… it’s a little intimidating. However, our trust in GOD has to burn hotter than the fire. We were not meant to be afraid. 2nd Timothy 1:7 says that GOD does not give us a spirit of fear but peace, love, and a sound mind. Being able to think clearly and move in a manner that glorifies GOD… I believe it is the key to getting through tough situations in life. The question really becomes, do you trust that GOD is who HE said HE is and will do what HE said HE will do. HIS word said HE will supply ALL our needs according to HIS riches and glory. Now HE either will or HE won’t what do you believe. Because that’s what’s going to make the difference. My point is you are not alone in the fire. HE is there just because it’s hot, doesn’t mean HE is not with you. It means it’s time to trust HIM. Do you… for me, I have no choice. I have to trust HIM.
Prayer:
Father, we know that you are the GOD of the impossible. You are able and will do what you said. We are asking that you show up and show out. We know that diamonds are made by pressure. Sometimes, that is easy to forget. So we sit here counting this joy. Knowing that you are making our faith prefect and that you will provide. We trust that you are in the fire with us. we pray that our faith does not fail. We are asking you to show up and show out. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.