Firey
Furnace
Reference:
Dan. 3: 8-25.
Strong's Greek: 2575. κάμινος (kaminos) -- Furnace, Oven
Strong’s Greek 2575 pictures an enclosed structure for intense heat. It appears four times in the New Testament, always evoking the imagery of extreme temperature—either to refine what is …[1]
Strong's Greek: 4442. πῦρ (pur) -- Fire - Bible Hub
fiery, fire. A primary word; "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning) -- fiery, fire. 4442 pýr – fire. In Scripture, fire is often used figuratively – like with the "fire of God" which transforms all it …[2]
The persecution of the saints is a recurring
theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the trials and tribulations faced by
those who are faithful to God. This persecution is often depicted as a test of
faith, endurance, and commitment to the divine will. The saints, or holy ones,
are those who have been set apart by God and are often subjected to suffering
because of their allegiance to Him.[3]
And these three men,
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning
fiery furnace. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and
rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast
three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the
king, True, O king. He
answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire,
and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God;
Dan. 3: 23-25.
I am not sure
if Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego knew that the Son of God was with them in this trial, in the fiery
furnace. When we go through trials, often we do not realize and sometimes we
do that Son of God is with us. But He is with us despite how we think!
Despite the intense intimidation, the men stayed courageous in their confession of faith. Spurgeon eloquently described the horror of those who lose their courage at such times: “Remember also that by yielding to the fear of man you are demeaning yourself. ” (Spurgeon)
Matthew Henry states: The trials of the saints are emphasized. They are orchestrated by the counsels of God, to test their faith and prepare them for greater challenges. He teaches that these trials are not random but part of Divine plan. Henry encourages believers to expect trials as a means of refining their faith and serving God faithfully in their mission.
Jesus warned His followers of the persecution
they would face, saying,
If the world hates you, understand that it
hated Me first;
Jn. 15: 18.
Peter writes,
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial
that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But
rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be
overjoyed at the revelation of His glory;
1 Pet. 4: 12-13.
Some times God deliver us from a trial; and other times He can miraculously sustain and strengthen us in a trial.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?; Rom. 8: 35.
This is a rhetorical question. This question underscores the belief
that nothing shall be able to separate the love of Christ is us. Nothing which
appears to be good or nothing which appears to be evil can separate us from the love of God.
This is when we face fiery trials, the flames will not quench us; nor the smell of flame will not be there; neither no one can take our life because our life is hidden in Christ who strengthens us.
God Highest Judge had already declared us “not
guilty.” We are secure from every
charge against us. Jesus Christ is our Advocate and our benefit, so no one else
can condemn us.
We over come with the power of Christ, the greatest power, with greatest motive, and that is the glory of Jesus residing with us. We have the greatest victory because we lose nothing in the battle, and the battle belongs to the Lord. With His greatest love residing within us we can conquer our enemies with love, converting the persecutors with patience.
God has put this glory into the believer right now. In heaven the glory will simply be revealed. “The glory will be revealed, not created. The implication is that it is already existent, but not apparent.” (Morris) Ref. 1 Cori. 15: 19.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage
again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry,
Abba, Father; Rom. 8: 15.
We
are slowly made to be like Jesus Christ, similar to Him in the perfection of
His humanity. This is the purpose for us to be adopted into His family.
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