The Burning Fiery Furnace

            What if Jesus asked, “Want to walk in the fire with Me?” What would you do?

Being the weak kneed person that I am, I wouldn’t even give Him an answer I’d just turn and run. For dear life!

Some guys I know–well I don’t know them personally, not yet, some day in Glory I hope to visit with them and hear the story from their own lips–but I’ve read about them and they didn’t run. No when faced with a choice to betray their God or burn, they chose the fire. Would I be so brave?     

Flames shot out the door, black smoke poured from the top and an ominous roar filled the air as the fiery furnace was stoked even hotter with pitch-soaked wood.

Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty king of Babylon, roared even louder than the giant brick oven not far away. “Is it true Shadrach—Meshach—and Abed-Nego,” he bellowed staring each young man in the eyes as they stood meekly before him, “that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up?”

Shadrach met the king’s gaze and did not flinch. He thrust back his broad shoulders and with head high, nodded slightly. He knew without looking that his friends next to him did the same.

“Now I’ll give you one more chance,” the king ground out, “when you hear the sound of the music if you fall down and worship the image I have made, then all is good! But if you do not worship,” Nebuchadnezzar waved his hand toward the belching furnace, his voice raising to a mighty roar, “you shall be cast IMMEDIATELY into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.”

The king’s eyes were cold as steal as he stared at Shadrach, and said in a low gravely voice, “And what god will deliver you from my hands.”

Shadrach felt the heat from the fiery furnace on his back even though the huge oven was several hundred yards away. He knew if he and his friends did not bow they would die, there was no question. He could see the flames reflected in the king’s furious eyes.

His heart pounded, his hands were sweaty, but he could feel the iron strength beside him. He knew his friends were in this with him, and a Mighty Power straightened his back.

“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from this burning fiery furnace, and He WILL deliver us from your hands, O king.” One glance Shadrach gave to his friends, two small almost unperceivable nods, then he turned his own steely gaze to the king, “But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” His eyes and the eyes of his friends did not waver from the king who held their lives in his hands.

Nebuchadnezzar’s face twisted with rage and he snarled at Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego.

“Heat the furnace seven times hotter!” He roared. Then he ordered the mighty men of valor who were his body guards to bind the three men.

Shadrach’s arms were yanked behind his back and tied tightly, then he felt ropes being wrapped around his body, binding his legs and ankles. His mouth was dry, his head spun. It was happening he was going to die. Right now!

“Oh Father be with us, have mercy,” he barely had time to cry as he was picked up by two men and carried to the furnace. Then he was flung into the fiery flames.

Flames rose up to meet him. Bright red fire engulfed his body. Yet he felt no heat. When he landed, he was on his feet. His hands were free. Peering through the orange flames, he saw the men who had just thrown in Meshach falling to the ground. Then Abed-Nego flew through the fire and the men carrying him fell beside the others, apparently dead.

Meshach and Abed-Nego were standing in the flames, with hands free staring at him, eyes wide with amazement. He felt no pain. Even though flames were dancing around them, he felt no heat.

Then suddenly in their midst appeared a figure glowing even brighter, if at all possible, than the fiery flames. A face materialized and loving eyes gazed at them with a kind smile. Shadrach felt love surround him and a great peace filled his mind. This God-man who walked in the flames with them was the Almighty God, he had no doubt.

Jesus does not let me walk alone

So would you want to walk in the fire with your God? Just the thought of a fiery furnace makes me cringe, yet I love my God. I want to walk where He desires I go and if it be in the midst of a fiery burning furnace, well so be it. I know my God will be there with me.

God does not promise to keep us out of the waters or the rivers or from the fire. He doesn’t say we won’t ever have terrible trouble, but He does say, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name and your are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:2

Ok let’s be realistic. You all know I’m pretty down-to-earth, so realistic looks like this:  A forest fire with flames shooting up the tree trunks and literally jumping from tree top to tree top, roaring through the dead branches and bursting through the dry needles. Exploding like bombs going off in the timber. Flames shooting high into the sky, dancing a dance of death and destruction, consuming all in their path.

Isn’t that the way trouble comes in our lives? Creeping along the ground, silently, smoldering undetected for awhile, then bursting upon our lives. Flames born on the winds of distress and despair, hot flames shooting high, consuming all joy, all laughter, all peace. Devastating fire leaving in its wake, disease, sickness, pain, grief and the blackness of evil.

Yet, my Creator, the One who made me, who keeps the stars in place, says, “You are Mine! I uphold you with My strong right arm. The flames will not burn you. The hot scorching fire will not consume you.”

Just like He delivered Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego from the fire without even a trace of smoke on their clothes, He will deliver me. Yes in this life I have trouble, He does not promise to keep us from adversity, but when trouble strikes He is with me.

I’ve been in the river, I’ve passed through the waters and I’ve walked in the fire of terrible trouble. Maybe not a furnace that burned seven times hotter, but I’ve been in the flames. I can’t say I didn’t feel some heat and that I didn’t get a bit burned, but I knew my Jesus was with me. I could see his face through the shimmering, dancing flames. His presence glowed brighter than the hottest flame. He was there and He walked with me and said, “Lean on Me, I am with you always.” From the flames and fire out of the water and flood He delivered me and if need be He will do so again.

For He says, “I am the Lord Your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Since you are precious in My sight, you have been honored. And I love you. Fear not for I am with you.” Is. 43:3-5