The Fiery Furnace

The story in the Book of Daniel about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the fiery furnace is hugely inspirational to me (see Dan 3), as they demonstrated calmness, courage, and rock-solid faith in the face of what surely looked to be a gruesome, fiery death for themselves.

Let me set the stage properly so we can get the full impact of what was happening there. Let’s say you were taken captive as a youth and dragged into a foreign land ruled by a mighty (and very hot-tempered and ruthless) king who you know doesn’t take kindly to disagreement of any kind. You’re invited (mandated) to take part in a massive political rally where everyone in the country will be present, including all political leaders, the police and military, titans of business from big corporations, famous celebrities, sports figures, and so on, and you must follow the king’s instructions (decrees) to the letter or face the consequences. The decree, in this case, is simple: You have to bow down to the statue of the king upon demand. That’s it—short and simple to do, and everyone else there will be doing it without exception. The consequence for not obeying the king’s order is being thrown alive into a raging fire!

Could you, brother or sister in Christ, “stand firm in the faith” (1Co 16:13; cf. 1Co 15:2, 58; Eph 4:14; 6:11–14; Php 1:6; 4:1, 13; 1Th 1:3; 3:8; 5:21; 2Th 2:15; 1Pe 5:12; 2Pe 3:17; Heb 3:6, 14; 4:14; 6:19; 12:2; Col 1:11, 23; Jud 3; Jas 1:2–4; 5:11; 2Ti 2:1–5; Psa 62:2) “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2Ti 2:1–5; cf. 2Ti 4:5) in this situation? Could your (or my) faith stand up to the raging fury of the king (Dan 3:19; cf. Psa 56:11; 118:6; 1Pe 3:14; Mat 10:28; Rev 2:10)? I mean, surely God knows the situation you’re in, right? He knows you will be killed if you refuse to comply, so surely it’s okay to just quickly bow down this one time to avoid death, right? I mean, you don’t really think the idol means anything anyway, and God knows that your heart is right, yes? Or maybe you think, Well, I’ll just bow this one time and get it over with, and it won’t really mean anything to my faith. Or Maybe God won’t notice if I just bow down this one time but never again.

See how easy it would be to justify complying with the mandate/decree and bowing down before the idol? We can all rationalize like this (I can do it with the best of them!)—especially in situations in which our very lives are on the line. Just imagine the massive and overwhelming social and political pressure these three men faced as they alone—three men out of many thousands—refused to bow down to the golden image.[1]

But nowhere in this story do we read that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego became anxious, depressed, or suicidal, nor did they become verbally abusive to their persecutors or pick up worldly weapons to defend themselves and “fight back.” Instead, they “trusted in the Lord” (see 2Co 1:9; Pro 3:5; 22:19; Psa 37:3, 5; 62:8; 115:9–11; 125:1; 146:3–5; cf. 2Co 4:13–14; Rom 4:18–22; Luk 23:46; Eph 1:13; Php 1:14; 2:24; 1Ti 1:15; 2Ti 2:11; 1Pe 2:23; 4:19; Psa 31:5; 37:7; 56:3, 11) for deliverance, if that was according to His will (Rom 14:7–8; cf. Psa 40:8; 143:10; Mat 6:10; 26:42; Act 21:14), whether in life or death. In fact, it’s worth noting their firm and resolute response (pretty matter of fact, actually) to the king when given one more opportunity to bow down and escape what appeared to be a sure fiery death:[2]

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” – Dan 3:16–18

Scripture tells us that we may have our faith “tested” (see Jas 1:2–4, 12; Rom 5:3–5; 8:17–18; 1Pe 1:6–7; 4:12–14; Rev 2:10; 3:10; Heb 11:17–19; cf. Psa 66:10–12; Pro 17:3; Isa 48:10; Jer 9:7; Zec 13:9; Mal 3:3; Heb 2:10) as we face:

• “Trials” (Act 20:19; Jas 1:2–3; 1Pe 1:6–7),
• “Tribulations” (see Mat 24:9; Joh 16:33; Act 14:22; Rom 5:3; 8:35; 12:12; 14:7–8; Php 1:21; Eph 3:13; Heb 10:33; Rev 1:9; 2:9–10; 7:14),
• “Suffering” (see Act 5:41; 9:16; Rom 8:16–18; 1Co 12:26; 2Co 1:5–7; Gal 3:4; Php 1:29; 3:8–11; 4:12; Col 1:24; 1Th 2:2, 14; 3:4; 2Th 1:5–8; Jas 5:13; 1Pe 2:18–21; 3:14–17; 4:1–2, 12–19; 5:9–10; Rev 2:10; cf. Heb 5:8; 13:12; Isa 53:1–12),[3] and even
• “Discipline” (see 1Co 11:32; Heb 12:5–11; Rev 3:19; Joh 15:2; Psa 118:18) by the Lord at times.[4]

We also see it clearly written that “you will be hated by all because of My [Jesus’] name” (see Mat 10:22; 24:9; Mar 13:13; Luk 21:17; cf. Joh 15:18–20; 16:2; 17:14; Luk 6:22; 2Ti 3:12; 1Jn 3:13; Rev 12:7–17; Pro 29:10, 27).

But the kind of faith that is pleasing to Christ is not one born out of casual commitment, nor of convenience or foxhole faith, but of lifelong commitment to Christ—a faith that will “deny himself [ourself], and take up his [our] cross daily and follow Me” (see Mat 16:24; Mar 8:34; Luk 9:23) in obedience and action, one that “is willing to do His [God’s] will” (Joh 7:17) and not our own, one that is “seeking the things above, where Christ is” (Col 3:1–2) and not the things of this world, and one that “endures to the end” (see Mat 10:22; 24:13; Mar 13:13; cf. 1Co 4:12; 9:12; 10:13; 13:7; 2Co 6:4; Heb 10:32; 12:1, 7; Jas 1:3; 5:11; Luk 21:19; Rev 2:3; 12:11; Php 3:8; 2Th 1:4; 2Ti 2:10–12; 3:11; 4:5; 1Pe 2:20). And there are clear instructions about not worshiping idols in both the Old Testament (Exo 20:3–6; Deu 5:7–10) and New Testament (1Jn 5:21; Mat 22:37–38; Mar 12:28–30, 32–33; Luk 10:26–28; 1Co 10:7, 14, 20–22; Act 10:25–26; Rev 9:20; 13:12; 19:10; 21:8; 22:8–9, 15; cf. Gal 5:20; Eph 5:5; Act 15:20, 29; 21:25; 1Co 5:11; 8:1–10; 10:28; 2Co 6:16; 1Th 1:9; 1Pe 4:3).[5]

Another point I take from this episode is how the guards who were “just following orders” and threw the three men into the fire were actually the ones who were burned up and destroyed (Heb 12:29)! Yes, we are to leave all judgment and vengeance to the Lord (Rom 12:17–19; Heb 10:30), as He will repay everyone for their deeds (Gal 6:7; cf. Rom 14:10–12; Rev 22:12) in due time (2Pe 3:8)—either here in this world or on the Day of Judgment.[6] Additionally, those who persecute, discriminate against, harm, and put to death Christians will have to answer to God for their actions (2Th 1:6–8; Gal 6:7; Rev 20:4, 11–15). Matthew Henry writes:[7]

The king’s commandment was urgent, that they [the soldiers enforcing the king’s orders] should dispatch them quickly, and be sure to do it effectually; and therefore they resolved to go to the very mouth of the furnace, that they might throw them into the midst of it, but they were in such haste that they would not take time to arm themselves accordingly…. God did thus immediately plead the cause of his injured servants, and take vengeance for them on their persecutors, whom he punished, not only in the very act of their sin, but by it. But these men were only the instruments of cruelty; he that bade them do it had the greater sin; yet they suffered justly for executing an unjust decree, and it is very probable that they did it with pleasure and were glad to be so employed. Nebuchadnezzar himself was reserved for a further reckoning. There is a day coming when proud tyrants will be punished, not only for the cruelties they have been guilty of, but for employing those about them in their cruelties, and so exposing them to the judgments of God.

Reading on, we see that after the three men were thrown into the blazing furnace, this is what the king saw: “Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!” (Dan 3:25) and further: “Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire. The satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king’s high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them.” (vv. 26b–27). Yes, God had delivered them safely out of (through) the fire. Amazing and amen!

There are differing opinions on who the fourth person was that appeared with them in the midst of the fire, one “like a son of the gods.” Some think it was an angel of the Lord, and others think it was the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ; I’m of the latter opinion. Matthew Henry writes:[8]

The deliverance of these three faithful servants of God out of the furnace. When they were cast bound into the midst of that devouring fire we might well conclude that we should hear no more of them, that their very bones would be calcined; but, to our amazement, we here find that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, are yet alive.

1. Nebuchadnezzar finds them walking in the fire. He was astonished, and rose up in haste, Dan. 3:24. Perhaps the slaying of the men that executed his sentence was that which astonished him, as well it might, for he had reason to think his own turn would be next; or it was some unaccountable impression upon his own mind that astonished him, and made him rise up in haste, and go to the furnace, to see what had become of those he had cast into it. Note, God can strike those with astonishment whose hearts are most hardened both against him and against his people. He that made the soul can make his sword to approach to it, even to that of the greatest tyrant. In his astonishment he calls his counsellors about him, and appeals to them. Did we not cast three men bound into the fire? It seems, it was done by order, not only of the king, but of the council. They durst not but concur with him, which he forced them to do, that they might share with him in the guilt and odium? “True, O king!” say they; “we did order such an execution to be done and it was done.” “But now,” says the king, “I have been looking into the furnace, and I see four men, loose, walking in the midst of the fire,” Dan. 3:25.

(1.) They were loosed from their bonds. The fire that did not so much as singe their clothes burnt the cords wherewith they were bound, and set them at liberty; thus God’s people have their hearts enlarged, through the grace of God, by those very troubles with which their enemies designed to straiten and hamper them.

(2.) They had no hurt, made no complaint, felt no pain or uneasiness in the least; the flame did not scorch them; the smoke did not stifle them; they were alive and as well as ever in the midst of the flames. See how God of nature can, when he pleases, control the powers of nature, to make them serve his purposes. Now was fulfilled in the letter gracious promise (Isa. 43:2), When thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. By faith they quench the violence of the fire, quench the fiery darts of the wicked.

(3.) They walked in the midst of the fire. The furnace was large, so that they had room to walk; they were unhurt, so that they were able to walk; their minds were easy, so that they were disposed to walk, as in a paradise or garden of pleasure. Can a man walk upon hot coals and his feet not be burnt? Pro. 6:28. Yes, they did it with as much pleasure as the king of Tyrus walked up and down in the midst of his stones of fire, his precious stones that sparkled as fire, Eze. 28:14. They were not striving to get out, finding themselves unhurt; but, leaving it to that God who preserved them in the fire to bring them out of it, they walked up and down in the midst of it unconcerned. One of the apocryphal writings relates at large the prayer which Azariah, one of the three, prayed in the fire (wherein he laments the calamities and iniquities of Israel, and entreats God’s favour to his people), and the song of praise which they all three sang in the midst of the flames, in both which there are remarkable strains of devotion; but we have reason to think, with Grotius, that they were composed by some Jew of a later age, not as what were used, but only as what might have been used, on this occasion, and therefore we justly reject them as no part of holy writ.

(4.) There was a fourth seen with them in the fire, whose form, in Nebuchadnezzar’s judgment, was like the Son of God; he appeared as a divine person, a messenger from heaven, not as a servant, but as a son. Like an angel (so some); and angels are called sons of God, Job 38:7…. Nebuchadnezzar here says (Dan. 3:28), God sent his angel and delivered them; and it was an angel that shut the lions’ mouths when Daniel was in the den, Dan. 6:22. But some think it was the eternal Son of God, the angel of the covenant, and not a created angel. He appeared often in our nature before he assumed it in his incarnation, and never more seasonable, nor to give a more proper indication and presage of his great errand into the world in the fulness of time, than now, when, to deliver his chosen out of the fire, he came and walked with them in the fire.

Note, Those that suffer for Christ have his gracious presence with them in their sufferings, even in the fiery furnace, even in the valley of the shadow of death, and therefore even there they need fear no evil. Hereby Christ showed that what is done against his people he takes as done against himself; whoever throws them into the furnace does, in effect, throw him in. I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest, Isa. 63:9.

No matter where you find yourself as a “child of God,”[9] Christ is right there with you every second of every day (Mat 28:20; cf. Gen 28:15; Deu 31:6–8; Jos 1:5; Isa 41:10; Psa 23:4), and there is no reason for anxiety (Joh 16:33; Php 4:6–7; 1Pe 5:6–7; cf. Joh 19:30). He knows your situation, your circumstances, and your heart, and He promises never to leave, forget, or forsake you (Heb 13:5; Deu 31:8; Jos 1:5; cf. 2Ti 2:13)—whether He chooses to save you from the fire or through it, He will be with you.

Furthermore, He will also give you His might, His strength, His wisdom, His hope, and His power to overcome anxiety (even in cases such as the fiery furnace). You will be living “by the Spirit” of God abiding in you (Act 20:22; Rom 2:29; 8:13–14; 1Co 2:13; 12:3; Gal 3:3; 5:18, 25; 2Th 2:13; 1Jn 3:24; cf. Eph 4:24), not by your own might or power.[10] The same Spirit of power who raised Jesus from the dead will live in you (Rom 8:11; Joh 15:1–10; Gal 2:20; Eph 3:20), as God “according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1Pe 1:3) by the “living and true God” (1Th 1:9). We can take comfort in those facts and “cast all our anxiety on Him” (see 1Pe 5:6–7; cf. Psa 55:22)—this includes AWDF and also any hurts. He promises to take them from you and give you His peace—“the peace of God, which surpasses all [human] comprehension” (see Php 4:6–7).[11]

From start to finish, I find this story amazing, motivational, instructional, and inspirational, and it is one of my favorite accounts in Scripture.

CHAPTER PRAYER

O glorious Father in heaven, hallowed be Your great name! Thank You for the gift of today and the gift of Jesus on the cross. Thank You for allowing me the honor and privilege of coming before You. Father, please help me to have the same rock-solid, unwavering faith, courage, and strength that these men demonstrated in all things at all times. Father, I know You are with me always, until the very end of the world; I know You see and hear all things that happen to those who call on Your holy name. I know that Your Son is ruling right now in His kingdom, and I’m a fellow partaker and worker in that kingdom. Help me persevere and overcome, not by my might or power but by Your Spirit through Christ, as I know I can do all things through Jesus who lives in me. Help me be a good soldier in Christ as I take up my cross each day and seek to do Your will instead of mine. I know You have promised that all things work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. In Jesus’ most holy name, I pray. Amen.

[1] We are not told why, but Daniel was not there; perhaps he was away on the king’s business.

[2] We see (read about) the same behavior and response with many of the martyrs of the faith in the early Church and beyond. Suggested reading: Foxe’s Book of Martyrs; The Church History; The Christian Church: Its Rise and Progress; and The Pilgrim Church. See the chapter “Helpful Resources.”

[3] Again, this is referring to suffering for the name of Christ, not for one’s own behavior, bad choices, or stupidity (1Pe 3:17; 4:15).

[4] Note that discipline isn’t the same as punishment.

[5] Bowing down is a form of worship.

[6] See the section “The Day of Judgment” in the chapter “The Gospel of the Grace of God.”

[7] Matthew Henry, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments.

[8] Matthew Henry, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments.

[9] See the chapter “Living in the Spirit” for verse references.

[10] See the section “Not by Might or Power but by My Spirit” in the chapter “Living in the Spirit.”

[11] As mentioned previously, peace isn’t the absence of commotion and turmoil; it’s a sense of inner calm despite having commotion and turmoil going on around you.