Faith like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their run-in with King Nebuchadnezzar will always be humbling.

Let's just call him Nebo for short.

So, Nebo declares that everyone is to worship his golden statue - or else they will be burnt in a furnace of scorching flames. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego denied this false idol because they worshiped the one, true God. In a rage, Nebo demands the three men to bow down, or be thrown into the furnace.

They replied,

"If the God we serve is willing to save us from the furnace of blazing fire, then He will rescue us from the power of you, the king. But even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will still not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up" (Daniel 3:16-18).

This is unwavering faith.

Sure enough, Nebo gave orders for these men to face the furnace. He even ordered the heat to be set 7 TIMES hotter than the usual temperature. The furnace was so deadly, that the men leading S, M, and A died from being in such close proximity (Daniel 3:19-20, 22).

"Then [Nebo] jumped up in alarm. He said to his advisers, 'Didn't we throw three men, bound into the fire? Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!" (Daniel 3:24-26).

The same fire that had killed the advisors who carried S, M, and A in had not touched a hair on their heads (Daniel 3:27). Talk about Isaiah 54:17 coming to life before our eyes!

Instantly, Nebo praised God - the same God we praise today!

• God hears our cries for help.

• God sees our faithfulness (and is always ready to express His)

• God uses us to glorify him.

• There is no limit to God's merciful power.

When facing your own "furnace", will you still be faithful? Will you stand up to the Nebo's of the secular world and help them see the great miracles, mighty wonders, and abundant dominion of our Lord? (Daniel 4:3).

Just as we are encouraged in Isaiah 43:5, do not fear, because God is with you!

“Fear not, for I am with you" (Isaiah 43:5).