Read Daniel 3:19-30
God showed up, just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew he would. Their faith was unshakable. Yet, they may have been trembling from head to foot when thrown into the furnace. Imagine how quickly that fear turned to wonder when an angel from God joined their party of three.
Think about a time when you felt God’s presence rescuing you. Maybe God intervened and you missed being part of an accident. Maybe you were feeling unsure about a decision, and after praying immediately knew the answer.
God has gone ahead of us. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” God knows what we are likely to encounter. We can have the same confidence in God as those men sentenced to death in a fiery furnace.
We’re told not a flame touched them, and they didn’t even smell like smoke! Fully dressed in a furnace turned up seven times hotter than normal, these men should have burnt to a crisp. Even the soldiers who threw them in the fire were too close and died themselves.
If we ever question God’s provision for those who trust him, we should dash to this story of faithfulness. God’s faithfulness is displayed for all to see, including King Nebuchadnezzar. Whenever we see God reveal himself like that is an awesome moment for those of us who believe and expect mighty things from God. What is it like for the non-believer to see God moving?
King Nebuchadnezzar has a great line here. “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” He gave praise to God! How about that? If only everyone who has ever witnessed God’s hand at work would react like that!
I love that the king decreed our God should receive respect from the people. That was another big deal. Nebuchadnezzar realized God’s power was great—he had seen it with his own eyes. Nebuchadnezzar added, “There is no other god who can rescue like this!” He was absolutely right!
I can’t even imagine what the rescued men were thinking. It had to be so surreal. What had been a no-brainer to them, to stay true to God no matter what, had taken them on quite an adventure. The three men would be clear that their rescue did not come from the king but from God. The king may have let them go free, but God spared their lives. God wasn’t going to let them die as had been intended.
God isn’t going to let us be alone during our trials either. Not all trials will have the happy ending we read today. This text is an example of seeing God glorified in the events that unfolded.
If you’re stuck in the muck of a trial at this very moment, do you see a way out that glorifies God? Shadrach and his buddies were willing to die for their God. Had they died, their statement glorifying God would have been the legacy of their devout faithfulness. God wanted to make a bigger statement than that!
We know that generations later God dies for his people. This selfless act reveals yet another aspect of God’s majesty. Again, God made a bold statement showing us how much he loves us as he hung on the cross and then left the empty tomb behind. Think on that rescue mission for a bit and don’t forget our promotion will be eternal life with Jesus.
Let’s pray. Thank you, God, for loving me so much that you gave yourself for me. You have been in the business of rescuing your people since time began. Sending Jesus was the greatest rescue mission of all. Forgive me for those times when I try to do everything myself. I know better. My hope lies in you, and no matter the trial, I have a future to look forward to with you in it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
