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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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Daniel 3:25
He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Tried by fire.
I suppose this has to be one of the most popular Bible stories for children and Sunday Schools. But it is not a fairy tale.
It is not just a story to make us happy or to show that good always triumphs over evil. This is an accurate record of the events. These were real people, with real emotions, with friends, relations and life. They were not actors on a stage or puppets in a theatre. These men faced real martyrdom and would not compromise even in the face of certain death.
Let’s look at the facts again. Three young Jews were carried away into a foreign enemy country and forced to serve its godless ruler. They were friends with a guy called Daniel who had interpreted the King’s dream – even though the king hadn’t even divulged what the dream was in the first place.
They had been rocketed into high position as a result, and appointed as administrators over this foreign nation. Fun but hardly popular with the locals who had already been shown up for their lack of discernment. Jealousy was rife. (Being a follower of Jesus is not always popular either.)
The King was an egotistical, arrogant despot. His officials were weak-willed, self-preserving, ‘yes’ men. So when Nebuchadnezzar set up a 90ft high x 9ft wide gold image in the plain, everyone wanted to be there and join in the blatant idolatry. Except, that is, for four noble Jews.
The jealous, bitter and defeated astrologers saw their opportunity and seized it with both hands. “O King... what a wonderful man you are and what a marvellous thing you’ve done... you are so popular...” “But there are some Jews whom you have” appointed... these three rulers... “who pay no attention”. “They neither serve your gods nor worship the image...” The King was furious with rage, summoned the three and gave them an option. Bow down and worship or be burned to death in a furnace. “Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” (v 9 –15)
I love their response. “O 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 save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O King. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (3:17-18).
“Make the furnace seven times hotter” (3:19). The three were thrown in fully clothed and even the soldiers who threw them in were overwhelmed by the flames and were killed.
The King was amazed. He knew that three people had been thrown in but he now saw four. Yes, God was there too. God honoured the men’s obedience and performed a miracle. They came out unharmed, unsinged and unscorched.
We’d all hope and love to come away unscathed but are we prepared to lay down our lives for Jesus – even if He doesn’t ‘come to the party’?
They had been prepared for that. Are you?
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