The Fiery Furnace

The Fiery Furnace

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon made a huge statue of gold. It was enormous- the biggest statue in the world.

          “Everyone will worship my god, “he commanded, “and they will know that I am the mightiest king on earth.”

His herald shouted to the crowds,” Hear the king’s command: ‘All peoples of the earth will bow down to the images and worship it. When you hear the sound of the horn and the flute and pipes and drums, then fall down on your faces before the golden idol. ‘This is the command of King Nebuchadnezzar! If anyone does not fall down and worship at once, they will be thrown into a burning fiery furnace.”

Everyone obeyed- everyone in the kingdom except Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, exiles in the land.

“We will never bow down to the golden images, “they said, “We worship the Lord, the God of Israel.”

          When Nebuchadnezzar heard of this, he flew into a furious rage, “Bring these traitors to me!” When he saw the three young men coming towards him, quietly and so confidently, he was amazed.” Is it true that you will not bow down and worship my gods? I will give you one last chance. Pray before the golden image! If you do not last chance. Pray before the golden image! If you do not…” his face twisted into a snarl and his eyes blazed with hatred...” then you will be hurled into the burning fiery furnace. What god can save you?”

          “Our God can save us,” answered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, “and we do not need to defend ourselves before you, King Nebuchadnezzar! God can rescue us from the burning fiery furnace if he chooses! And even if not, we will never worship your gods or bow down to the to the golden image.”

“Heat the furnace seven times hotter.” Shouted Nebuchadnezzar,” and hurl them to their deaths!”

Nebuchadnezzar watched with a cruel smile as the three young men, bound hand foot, disappeared into the roaring fire.

But then the long stood up in amazement “What is it?” His advisers asked.

 “I see four men!”

“Four, my Lord?”

“Didn’t I throw in three men just now? So, who is the fourth, walking in the middle of the furnace?”

 Sure enough, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were walking around unharmed, and with them as a figure who shone more radiantly than the brightest fire on earth.

Immediately, Nebuchadnezzar called the three men out, and all the people saw that not a hair on their heads had been harmed. They did not even smell of smoke.

          “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent his angel and rescued his servants!” said Nebuchadnezzar. “They trusted in him and disobeyed me. They were ready to give up their own lives for their God!”

So, Nebuchadnezzar ordered everyone in the land to pay homage to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and he appointed them to the most important positions in the whole kingdom of Babylon.

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