In our story of the fiery furnace in Daniel 3, the king was furious (the original language is literally “burned up”) when he heard the three friends of Daniel refused to worship the statue. As a result, they are bound in their clothing. The fire is so hot that the soldiers die throwing them in. As the king watches there are four instead of three men in the fire. The fourth, probably Jesus, is like a god.
The king’s wise men had asserted that the gods “do not live here among people” (2:11), but he now saw what he could only describe as someone who looked “like a son of the gods” He realized that not even his gods could have performed such a feat. He has discovered that though he can make decrees that are binding on the world, his power is far from absolute. He has left out of his reckoning the Most High God (verse 26), whose power he proceeds to acknowledge in the decree of verse 29.
The entire purpose of the king against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had ended up topsy-turvy. The nations were made to recognize the true God’s deliverance as it was publicized among the officials and rulers under the auspices of the royal government of Babylon. Nothing more said of the statue. The promotion of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego was a clear slap in the face for those who would have demoted them.
In short, God had acted the turnaround for His glory. I believe God will do the same in this pandemic. God has already put a halt to our busyness. We’ve had time for family meals. There are no sporting events to pre-empt worship on Sunday morning. We can take part in a myriad of worship services via the internet. We have had to rethink what church really is. Hopefully, you have taken advantage of this time to get into God’s Word for yourself. What more will God do during this pandemic time? I can’t imagine but I know it will be for His glory.
To hear more about the story of the fiery furnace, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/daniel-a-man-of-character/trial-by-fire