Is it too hot for you? The apostle Paul informed the Christians in Philippi, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” (Philippians 1:29) This same thought was echoed in Hebrews 12:3, where it reads, “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”

There were three young Jewish men living in the Babylonian captivity of Israel who understood and endured suffering for the Lord—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Their faith under extreme pressure is honored in the third chapter of Daniel. Those faithful “servants of the Most High God” were accused by several jealous men. They refused to worship the giant statue of King Nebuchadnezzar. When the king heard of their refusal, he was furious. “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up?” (v. 14) In the next verse, he gave them another chance to fall down and worship the idol, or be thrown into a burning furnace. The response of the young men was clear: “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O 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.” (vv.17-18) We know the rest of the story—they were tossed into a furnace heated seven times hotter then normal. However, verse 25 reveals that Christ was with them in their suffering, just as He promises to be with us in our suffering. No longer were they bound by the world’s ropes. The fire had no effect in burning, singing, or even producing the smell of smoke on their clothing. The fiery furnace of suffering only brought them closer to the Lord.

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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