Sunday we finished Daniel chapter 3. (we couldn’t leave our three young men in the fire!) The chapter shows us 3 vitally important realities.
1. Where God’s people often find themselves – in a burning fiery furnace.
2. What they lose there – their bondage.
“God’s servants never know the fulness of spiritual liberty till they are cast into the midst of the furnace. . . Like the pure gold which loses nothing but its dross in the fire; like the iron which loses nothing but its rust under the file; so is the Christian – he loses what he is glad to lose, and his loss is blessed gain.” -Charles Spurgeon
3. What they gain there – first-hand experience of their Savior and glory for their God.
Daniel reminds us that whatever fiery trials await us on this side of eternity (and they do await!) we need not fear – Christ will always be present with His beloved in the fire. His presence will provide the courage we need to remain faithful and win Him glory.
In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. -Isaiah 64:9
Tom Brown is the planting pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Wichita. Tom and his wife, Mandy, have worked together in ministry for over 20 years and have four children. More about Pastor Tom Brown