Daniel 3:19-25, “Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.”
“And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.”
“Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.”
“Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”
“Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
The tale of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego serves as a strong reminder for us that God is all-powerful and can save us no matter what. We can put our faith in Him knowing that He has our best interests at heart and will always take care of us if we turn to Him for salvation. The Bible verse reminds us that Christ is the most beloved and powerful Son of God and is second in authority only to God in the Holy Trinity.
He deserves our utmost admiration as He was born first among many who will receive His blessings. Furthermore, His everlasting love for us ought to be rewarded with our undying reverence and praise. We recognize the authority of our God, Lord Jesus Christ – Your name is glorified across all lands! We are in awe of Your brilliance, and we will take time to truly appreciate the wonders You have done!
Rephrased, “Nebuchadnezzar was furious, and his expression changed upon seeing Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times more than usual in order to punish them. King Nebuchadnezzar ordered some of the bravest warriors in his army to put Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego into the burning fiery furnace.”
“Subsequently, these men were tightly bound in their garments, turbans and other attire before they were thrown into the blazing fiery furnace. The king’s command was time-sensitive, and the temperature in the furnace rose quickly.”
“Consequently, the searing heat from the flames proved to be fatal for those who had taken Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego captive. As Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were walking through the flames of the furnace, they fell in together all tied up.”
“The King was amazed and inquired hastily, “Didn’t we cast three men in shackles into the flames?” The counselors replied to the monarch, “Yes, we confirm that it is exactly as you say.”
“He exclaimed in amazement, “I can see four people walking within the flames, yet they remain unscathed. Furthermore, the fourth person seems to have a resemblance to the Son of God.”
Praise be to Our Lord, Jesus. He is the fourth man in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego the only Son of God second in the Holy Trinity. The First born among many! As we reflect on His eye-catching splendor and majestic name in all of Heaven and Earth, it’s no wonder why He is so highly esteemed.
Not only was Jesus in the fiery furnace with three companions – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego being a reflection of his grace and power that he can save anyone through any tribulation they face – but he is also solely the Second Person in the Holy Trinity; existing before time itself as mentioned in John 1:1. Furthermore, interestingly enough Jesus is not only mentioned as “firstborn” amongst many (Romans 8:29), but also “firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15).
John 1:1-5, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Rephrased, “In the beginning, the Word was present with God, which was God. Everything we see today was created through Him and nothing existed prior to His creation. He has been around since the start of time with our Heavenly Father. Christ bore the brightness of life within Him. His life-light illuminated even the shortest of days, and despite its power, the darkness could not fathom its existence.”
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! On the glorious splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, we can clearly observe why Jesus Christ is praised and exalted. He was the only son of God who were sent to earth to fulfill a divine mission.
The fourth man in the fire furnace with Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego has been an unforgettable reminder of God’s mightiness and presence even in the deepest fire pits. This event revealed Jesus’ divine nature that established him as the firstborn among many brothers.
Romans 8:26-30, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He, who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”
Rephrased, “Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is also active in helping us overcome our inadequacies. We often have no idea what we should pray for and how, yet the Spirit intercedes on our behalf with deep sighs that are beyond words. The Lord, who investigates our hearts, knows the intention of the Holy Spirit. He intercedes for His people in accordance with God’s will.”
“It is comforting to know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Predestination means that God had already predetermined that these people would be conformed into the image of His Son, so He could be the firstborn among many siblings. God has a plan for each one of us and He predestines those He finds worthy. Then, He calls them, justifies them and finally glorifies them.”
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! Jesus is the fourth man in the fire furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He is the only begotten Son of God and second in the Holy Trinity. This makes Him unique as He is both divine and human. He is also known as “The First-born among many” which emphasizes His authority over all other creations.
Jesus demonstrated remarkable courage while rescuing his friends from certain death by going into a fiery furnace with them. Despite being fully aware of what lay ahead for himself in the raging fire, Jesus decided to walk in with unwavering faith for God’s protection over all of them. We need to learn from such strong examples that Jesus set for us so that we can also always remain steadfast with faith in our Father’s graceful protection.
Colossians 1:15-18, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.”
“All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist of. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”
Rephrased, “Jesus is the perfect representation of the unseen God, being the firstborn over all of creation. Everything in heaven and on earth–every visible and invisible being – was created by Him. His power enabled Him to create thrones, kingdoms, rulers and authorities. All things were made through Him – with a purposeful plan in His mind.
Jesus is the preeminent one over all things. He is the point of origin and cornerstone of existence as well as the Head of the Church, having been resurrected from death. Through Him, He ultimately has supremacy in every realm.”
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! From the fiery furnace of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego to the wondrous splendor of the Lord’s majesty, Jesus Christ is a very special part of this story.
Psalms 8:1-2, “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who, have set Your glory above the heavens! Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.”
Rephrased, “Almighty Lord, Your, name is praised in all the corners of the earth! You have put Your glory above everything else. Even children and infants can sing hymns of praise to You because of Your enemies. Silence those who wish to bring harm to us and avenge us.”
He is the only begotten Son of God who became man and was killed for our sins. But through His resurrection He became the fourth man inside that fire furnace; not just another servant but our only Savior and Redeemer. Jesus was then transformed as God’s second person in the Holy Trinity and was given authority over all creation. He will be forever remembered as the first-born among many whom God loves dearly.
Psalms 145:1-7, “I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.”
“One generation shall praise Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works.”
“Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness and shall sing of Your righteousness.”
Rephrased, “I will always be praising You, My God and King, and bless Your name for all eternity. Every single day I will be thanking You and worshipping Your greatness. Greatness that is truly beyond measure – The Lord is to be adored and praised beyond belief!”
“Let us appreciate and share the greatness of God’s works. Through meditation, we can reflect on His majesty and the wonders of what He has done. Praise be to Him through one generation after another!”
“Everyone will talk about the tremendous power of Your amazing deeds, and I will sing praises to Your greatness. People will always remember and speak highly of Your greatness and benevolence, praising You for Your righteousness.”
