Mike
Scriptures
Daniel 1:3-4 Daniel 3:25-28 Psalm 23:4 Isaiah 12:4-6
Daniel records for us that Nebuchadnezzar came against Jerusalem and besieged it
He ordered the master of the eunuchs to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites princes and those of the king’s seed. They were to be young men in whom there was no blemish, but well favoured, understanding science, to stand in the king's palace, that they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
Among those who were chosen from the tribe of Judah were Daniel, who they named Belteshazzar; along with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Nebuchadnezzar made a decree, that on his command all those in his kingdom were to fall down and worship the golden idol that he had built. The penalty for disobeying this command was to be thrown into the fiery furnace.
Some of the Chaldeans, who hated the Jews, reported to the king that there were certain Jews that had been set over the affairs of the province of Babylon had not regarded the king’s instructions about worshipping the golden idol, these men were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
The king demanded their obedience, the boys still refused to bow down in worship to the golden idol. They said that “The God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, but even if He chooses not to, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not worship the golden image which you have set up.”
Nebuchadnezzar was so angry that he ordered the furnace to be heated up to seven times the normal heat. The flames were so hot that they slew the guards that threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego bound into the furnace. Then the king and his councillors were astonished to see that there were four men walking around in the midst of the fire, they were no longer bound by the ropes of the king and were unharmed by the flames.
Nebuchadnezzar ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to come out of the furnace. The king understood that God had rescued His servants, they trusted in the God of Israel, and were willing to give up their lives rather than bow down to a golden idol.
We may never know in this lifetime why God allows us to face the fire, to face tribulations that seem to come out of left field. Perhaps it is so we can be a comfort, an inspiration, to others, we can let others know that they are not alone. God comforts us in all our troubles so we can comfort others.
Fourteen years ago, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer, I had no symptoms that indicated I was ill, it was a massive shock which turned my life into an incredible turmoil. The day before my surgery I was very apprehensive about the surgery, later that evening I was having a shower and as I stepped from the shower to the bathroom God spoke the clearest words I have ever heard, which were from Psalm 23:4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Along with this verse came the most incredible sense of peace that I had ever felt, my turmoil was turned into the sure knowledge that God was walking with me in this, I then understood how Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego must have felt walking free in the furnace knowing that the Lord was walking with them, God is not afraid of tribulation, He just walks through the valley of the shadow of death with His people.
Isaiah 12:4 - 6 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for reminding us time and again that whatever affliction we walk through, You walk with us. It is You alone who is our Peace in the middle of the affliction, our only trustworthy Hope. Thank You in Jesus name, Amen
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