Redefined By Fire

Redefine: To reexamine or reevaluate especially with a view to change. 

Daniel 3 tells the story of three Jewish men who refused to bow down at the statue of King Nebuchadnezzar and worship it. Nebuchadnezzar mandated that all the peoples of every nation and every tongue were to bow down and worship his image of gold whenever music was played.  If a person did not fall down and worship this false god, they were to be thrown into a fiery furnace. 

As soon as the music played, everyone (all the peoples, nations and men of every language) fell down and worshiped that image of gold (Daniel 3:7). Everyone but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (a.k.a Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) 

Quick side note: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were these three Jewish men’s Babylonian names which they were given. These new names mean “command of Aku,” “Who is what Aku is?” and “Servant of the god Nergal” respectively. These names are in reverence to false gods. Contrastingly, the men’s Jewish names bring admiration to the one true God, Jesus Christ.  Hananiah meaning “Yahweh is gracious,” Mishael meaning “Who is like God?” Or “to feed or “to provide,” and Azariah meaning “Yahweh has helped.”

How many times have people tried to change your name or your identity? But whom God appointed you to be and what he calls you to be shows whom you really are. You see, the names the Babylonians gave these three men did not define them. They were not led or helped by Aku or Nergal. Their Christ-ordained names explicitly shows readers who they were and who God is. God is gracious, there is none like him, he provides for us, and he helps us. 

While these three men are typically referred by their Babylonian names, it is important to understand the meaning of their real names. Understand your real name too (what God calls you: loved, redeemed, precious, honored, etc.) and you’ll understand your identity and God’s grace. 

Okay, I’m back to the story now. Lol. So the three Jewish men didn’t bow down and worship this false god. I picture this scene so vividly: beautiful wind instruments playing loudly throughout the kingdom declaring all people to do an evil deed, thousands (if not millions) of people falling to their face at the sight of a ninety feet high and nine feet wide statue, and three Jewish men standing boldly in their faith. I’m literally in tears just thinking about the strength these men had. Even faced with death they held their onto their beliefs. How many times have I compromised my beliefs just to avoid looking “different” in the eyes of my peers? We all need to have their unshakable, unwavering faith in God, and trust that he is our strength (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

So, they’re brought to King Nebuchadnezzar for not bowing down at his statute and he is FURIOUS. He warns them once more that if they don’t worship this image that they will be thrown into a blazing furnace. Then the cocky fellow states, “Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” (verse fifteen). 

But the three men’s response to the King’s ignorance is awesome! “we do not need to need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (verses sixteen-eighteen). 

Notice: 

1. They state “we do not need to defend ourselves.” Get that you do not need to defend yourself in every situation. Know when to hold your tongue. Know that God will fight your battles. God’s actions in the later verses show a lot more than the men could have ever said!
2. They believed God had the ability to save them, but even if he chose not to, they still refused to compromise their beliefs. God can save you from any situation you face. If it doesn’t go how you might want, still worship him. That’s sovereign praise.
3. They were still respectful. Even though Nebuchadnezzar is talking all this trash they  still showed him respect by speaking like they weren't ignorant. When your boss or teachers are getting on your nerves, remember that they are in authority over your life on this side of heaven. 

You will have opposition in the spiritual and natural realms. 

James 1:4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

1 Corinthinans 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 

Okay so, the king is pretty mad and he orders the furnace to be heated SEVEN TIMES HOTTER than usual. He gets some of the strongest soldiers to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to throw them into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent the fire killed the soldiers who took up the Jewish men. Geez. 

So then, Nebuchadnezzar leaps to his feet in amazement and was like “Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”  And his advisers are like “yeah.” He (Nebuchadnezzar) said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” (verse twenty four-twenty five).

TIMEOUT.

The guards who tried to deliver the three Jewish men to the furnace died themselves (Psalm 57:6), but the three men who were thrown in the furnace are walking around with a fourth guy unharmed?!?!  

But how…

God’s grace. 

When we go through our fires in our lives and we’re for God, God will be for us. He literally walked with the three Jewish guys through it all. He promises the same for us too! (Deuteronomy 31:6)

While the men went through the fire they were loosed from the ties holding them. Sometimes we have to go through the fire to become unbound and freed from our chains. They were set free! This can be us too in both the natural and spiritual realms. 

A redefining took place. 

When they went through their fire and came out, the people observed that “the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them” (verse twenty seven). They didn't look like what they went through! We may go through some storms and fires in our lives, but thanks be to God, Jesus will cover us so that we will look like we didn’t go through some mess. 

The people saw what God brought them out unharmed. This was a testimony to others the power of God and how his hand is over those who are obedient to Him. Those people saw that day that there is no God like Jesus Christ! (verse twenty eight-thirty).

Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 

So if you are going through the fire know that God is with you. He’s the same God of Hananiah, Misheael, and Azariah who is able to protect and serve as your strength. 

Be Blessed.

C. Walt