Over the next few weeks we are looking at the top ten Old Testament stories, here is number 8 – The Fiery Furnace. These stories you may remember from Sunday School, on closer look they are difficult stories so are often forgotten about in Church.
The story of Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel 3 tells us of three Jewish boys who were in exile in Babylon. They grew wise and respected as highly appointed officials in Babylon. Other Babylonian officials who were jealous of them persuaded the king to command that all people bow down to a golden statue. When the three men refused to bow down and worship the idol and god of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar had them thrown into the fiery furnace which was heated seven times hotter than normal. Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego had faith that God would save them. When the king looked into the fire he saw four men walking around in the furnace unharmed – Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego, and a “son of god”.
King Nebuchadnezzar brought the young men out of the flames, promoted them to a higher office, and decreed that the God of Israel be worshipped.
The story tells us the problems of being a foreigner, and encourages us to worship God and not be distracted by other things, and when we find ourselves in difficult times, God is with us.