Our God is Able

How many know Our God is Able!

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Da 3:16–18).

The story of the three Hebrews boys is one of the most familiar Bible stories. It has been preached many time by some of the greatest preachers. Its a story of faith, courage, consolation and hope. Its every Christians desire that God will show up for them in their fiery furnace situation.

Just in case you never heard the story let me give you some highlights. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were the names given to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Them along with Belteshazzar who we know as Daniel impressed the king and the chief of the eunuchs.

They were three of the 4 standouts from Judah that were part of the best brought to Babylon. Daniel 1:19 19 And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. 20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom . (Da 1:19–20).

They had shown faithfulness to God and committed to Yahweh ways. They did not eat of the kings meat and the word and God gave Daniel favor along with his friends. God gave them learning and skills and understanding in literature and wisdom.

Its in Chapter 2 we learn that these men were praying men. Daniel went to them and ask they seek God on his behalf because he needed to interpret the kings dream. The irony is that Daniels actions saved the very men that were determined to see these young men put to death. (Chaldeans)

Its hear in Chapter 3 the drama unfolds.

King Nebuchadnezzar builds a statue.

He commands all to worship the great image

The three Hebrew boys refuse to bow and the Chaldeans tell

In this chapter the name of the 3 Hebrew boys are mentioned by name.

The stood up to the king.

These young men who were facing death stood up and trusted God! They resolved that they would obey God at all costs. First, they said, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.” The word “careful” there, does not give you the meaning. Read it, “We are not full of care as to how to answer thee.” They did answer very carefully; but they were not anxious about the answer. It was not a thing that troubled them in the least. They knew what they were going to say. They did not deliberate. They did not hesitate. They said, “Nebuchadnezzar, we can answer you at once on that point.” They were so calm, so self-collected, that they could talk to him, not as a king, but as Nebuchadnezzar. When it came to life-work, it was man to man, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego to Nebuchadnezzar; and they told him that they had no difficulty in answering him.

First Stand your ground

18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”. (Da 3:18).

Trust God Even when it looks difficult

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. 22 Because the king’s order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace. (Da 3:19–23).

God will show up for you

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” (Da 3:24–25).