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Context No. 3009 of 4322 · Daniel (Greek)

Context · Reflection

Daniel (Greek) 3:19-23: in context

19Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the form of his appearance was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He spoke, and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20He commanded certain mighty men who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21Then these men were bound in their pants, their tunics, their mantles, and their other clothes, and were cast into the middle of the burning fiery furnace. 22Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the middle of the burning fiery furnace.

Nebuchadnezzar is enraged that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will not worship his golden image. His face distorts with fury, and he orders the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual, has the three men bound in their clothes, and thrown into the flames. The fire is so fierce that it kills the soldiers who carry them, and the three fall, bound, into the middle of the blaze.

This is the cost of refusing to compromise. The three young men would not bow to the king's idol, and the price was the furnace, deliberately made hotter in the king's rage. Their faith did not spare them the fire; it led them straight into it. This is faith that obeys God whatever the consequence, having already said, our God is able to deliver us, but even if he does not, we will not serve your gods. They walk into the flames not knowing they will be met there, certain only of the One they refuse to betray.

Am I willing to obey God even when it leads me into the fire, trusting him with the outcome, whether he delivers me or not?

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