I must admit, reading through the Old Testament has allowed me to glean so much information; information that I skipped over or missed before, like in the Book of Daniel.
One thing I just realized was that Daniel was actually a Babylonian captive. Another “new to me fact” was that the same Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego that were thrown in the fiery furnace were actually Daniel’s brothers. I know, I know. I should have picked up on this sooner, but we all have faults right? Mine is being ditzy. Anywho, I digress.
Back to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Most of us know the story. For those that don’t, here’s a quick summary. The 3 brothers refused to bow down in worship of King Nebuchadnezzar’s gods and idols. Nebuchadnezzar, who I picture as the same Nebuchadnezzar from the little Golden Books my grandmother used to read me) was angered and ordered them to be thrown into the fiery furnace, the whole time mocking them and basically saying “what God can deliver you?” Spoiler alert: they were delivered by THE God! That’s the point of this post today. We can learn a few VERY BIG lessons from these fiery brothers. Get it? Okay, I’m sorry for the pun
God is a God of Deliverance and Redemption.
Daniel 3:21 says “Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garnments, and were cast into the midst of the burning firey furnace.” Not only did Ole’ Neb throw the brothers into the fire, he BOUND them first! Verse 23 goes on to say “And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell down bound into the midst of the fiery furnace.” So, here we have these three men bound and fallen down, engulfed in flames while their captor stands aside mocking them. But God. Verse 25 says that the three were “…walking in the midst of the fire” and were loose! Not only that, but they walked out without a singe or without the smell of smoke! How amazing is God, right?
What we need to learn from this, my friends, is that God CAN and WILL loose our binds when we outwardly follow Him. Whatever sin or circumstances you’re bound to tonight, God CAN and WILL loose those chains! He can free you if you just choose to follow Him!
God walks through the fire with us!
We also need to learn that God not only frees us from our bondage, but He is there, walking through the fire with us! Nebuchadnezzar was shocked to find not three, but FOUR men in the fire (verse 25). My friends, not only did God loose the ropes that bound the 3 fiery brothers (sorry, couldn’t help myself, but God was IN the furnace with them! If that doesn’t make you shout, I don’t know what will!
Whatever you’re going through that seems like it is going to destroy you; whatever seems like it may end you or take you captive; not only will God free you from, but he will be right there, walking WITH you!
As one of my old favorites says “He will take you through the fire again.” My dear sisters and friends, I pray that you find comfort in these words and that God will intercede in your situations and walk you through the fires, unsinged.
In His love,
Heart & Home ❤️🏠