Daniel’s friends face the furnace – 23 May 2007

Nebuchadnezzar was a proud king – he had a 90 foot statue made in his image and covered in gold. The decree went out:

People of every nation and race, now listen to the king's command! Trumpets, flutes, harps, and all other kinds of musical instruments will soon start playing. When you hear the music, you must bow down and worship the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Anyone who refuses will at once be thrown into a flaming furnace.
Daniel 3:4-6 [CEV]

Daniels three fellow “apprentices” who we met on Monday (now renamed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) refused to comply with this decree as they valued God’s word (remember the commandment about not worshiping idols) above the king’s word. The king was furious when he heard this and gave them one last chance to comply – needless to say, they stood firm and refused.

The furnace was hot – specially heated seven times hotter than normal. Even the men who threw Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the furnace were killed by the heat. When the king looked into the furnace he saw 4 men walking around (one looked like a “son of the gods”). At a command from the king, out walked the 3 men with not even the hair on their heads singed, their robes scorched or even smelling of smoke. The effect on the king was remarkable (if short-lived?) – he promoted the 3 men and declared the supremacy of God.

This miracle amazes me because:
· Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were so confident of protection
· They were brave enough to stand up to the king
· They not only survived, they were totally unaffected by the heat
· Whenever I have a bonfire or a barbeque my clothes smell of smoke for days
· Hair is so fragile even hair dryers and straighteners can burn it (I believe)

God rewarded the faith of his followers by totally protecting them and rewarding their faithfulness with promotion and the respect of the king (rather than death). My faith is not so amazing and my bravery is definitely inferior, yet we can know the same protection – and even if our earthly bodies are harmed we are eternally under the total protection of the God of Gods.

Lord, protect us from the fiery furnace of the kings of this earth – walk alongside us in the flames and bring us out into the cool air in safety. Amen.