THE HERITAGE OF GODS CHILDREN
Many scholars believe that Jesus Himself was walking with the three friends in the furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar calls the ”Fourth one as a Son of God(s).” Because of the presence of God, the three friends did not even leave the furnace after they were untied. They were enjoying the Presence of God so much, even in the furnace that it did not come to their mind to leave the “seven times” heated furnace. And then king Nebuchadnezzar called them out and they walked out.
“Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.”
Daniel 3:26-27 NIV
During Daniel fasting, these are the passages from the book of Daniel-we dwell upon. A couple of thoughts:
1. God is Present: God came down to furnace to be with His children. He is with us even when we are in the furnace kind of hard times.
2. God is our Rescue: They were bound and thrown into the furnace. King observes that they are freely walking around in furnace. The chains of sin and worldly pleasures are broken in the presence of God. Note here fire did not burn them free, God did. Otherwise the skin, clothes and Hair would have burnt.
3. God is Mindful of us: Not even stretch of fire touched them. Not a single hair was burnt. Those who trust in God, He dot not let them be touched by the surroundings.
I would encourage each one of us here, that God is with us, no matter what we are facing today. Read Rom 8:38. No weapon formed against us with prevail. Read Isaiah 54:17. If any of us is going through a furnace like situation, rest assure in the Presence and Power of the God Almighty. God did not douse the furnace fire (which He could have easily) but came down Himself in the fire to Protect, Preserve and to display the Truth.
“For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.”
Luke 21:15-19 NIV
Amen 🙏