The tale is told that after yet another stop on Albert Einstein’s lecture tour, his chauffeur mentioned that he’d heard enough of the speech that he could give it. Einstein suggested they switch places at the next college, as no one there had seen his picture. The chauffer agreed and delivered a fine lecture. Then came the question-and-answer period. To one aggressive inquirer, the chauffer replied, “I can see you’re a brilliant professor, but I’m surprised you would ask a question so simple that even my chauffeur could answer it.” Then his ‘chauffeur’—Albert Einstein himself—did answer it! So ends the fun but fictional story.
Daniel’s three friends were truly on the hot seat. King Nebuchadnezzar threatened to throw them into a blazing furnace if they didn’t worship his idol. He asked, “What god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” (Daniel 3:15). The friends still refused to bow, so the king heated the furnace seven times hotter and had them tossed in.
They didn’t go alone. An “angel” (v. 28), perhaps Jesus Himself, joined them in the fire, keeping them from harm and providing an undeniable answer to the king’s question (vv. 24–25). Nebuchadnezzar praised the “God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego” and conceded that “no other god can save in this way” (vv. 28–29).
At times, we may feel in over our heads. But Jesus stands with those who serve Him. He’ll carry us.
By Mike Wittmer
REFLECT & PRAY
What problem are you unable to solve? How might Jesus relieve the pressure that you feel to fix your challenge?
Jesus, You’re the answer when there’s no answer.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s “no compromise” commitment didn’t begin when they faced the fiery furnace. Their commitment to Jewish dietary protocols (Daniel 1) and their faithfulness to the God who’d prescribed them readied them for an even bigger test in Daniel 3. Indeed, the diet test prepared them for the death test. They passed with flying colours, thereby earning them a place in the annals of faith in Hebrews 11. Though not mentioned by name, Hebrews 11:34 most likely refers to these three, who through faith “quenched the fury of the flames.”
Arthur Jackson
Our mission is to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.
