REJOICE IN THE LORD (part 2)- Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego rejoiced in the Lord

They rejoiced in the Lord;

SHADRACH, MESHACH AND ABEDNEGO: Joy in the furnace

The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego has been recounted over and over again. The conditions of their heart during those difficult moments depicted a deeper faith in God. They were giving a judgment to be thrown into a blazing fire because they choose not to bow to the idols of Nebuchadnezzar yet their posture before being thrown in the fire was amazing;

“But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.” Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”- Damiel 3:12-18

The three friends were resolute in their decision not to bow. They emphasized that even if God did not save them, they will still not bow. Wow. That’s a daring statement. So whiles being thrown into the burning furnace, they knew they were going to die yet they kept a calm attitude. In the furnace, they burst into worship and praise. God came through for them. God visited them at last. God could have allowed them to die but he chose to preserve them for His glory. What fire are you going through? Anything manifesting itself as a furnace in our lives be destroyed in Jesus name.

Source: excerpt from my book THE POWER OF JOY (page 17)