KEEPING COOL
B.L. Glenn
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were put into a heated situation.
But they kept their cool.
The ruler of Babylon wanted everyone to worship a statue of him. When the trumpet sounded, all men were expected to drop what they were doing and worship his idol. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused. The king ordered them to be thrown into a very hot fire. They did not repent but made a bold proclamation that their God could save them but even if He did not do so, they vowed to worship no one else.
The king did not like this. He was determined to make them an example of them. He had them arrested and brought before Him. He gave them a chance to bow down to his statue, but they refused, so he had them thrown into a fire that was so hot it killed the soldiers who delivered them to the flames. But the flames did not touch them. The king looked inside the furnace and saw these three men walking through the flames without difficulty. In addition to the three men, he also saw a fourth person who had the appearance of a son of the gods. This was an angel sent to bear them up and support them.
I wonder if Isaiah 43:2 came to their Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s minds at that moment. “…When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.” Surely this was the practical outplay of Isaiah’s words.
The men were allowed to come out of the furnace, and the king was led to repentance. He saw that their God was powerful—more powerful than he. Thus, his opinion was swayed, and his law was rescinded. The king’s heart became as water in God’s hands. This makes sense if you consider who is acting. The Lord upholds the universe by the word of His power.
Listen to the word of the Lord: “…When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.” The LORD, the Holy One of Israel, watches over you! Be strong, and let your heart take courage! The LORD will walk with you through the fire!