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In The Presence Of The Infinite, March 14
Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no
hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Daniel 3:25
.
The fiery furnace had been heated seven times more than it was wont, and into
it were cast the Hebrew exiles. So furious were the flames, that the men who cast
them in were burned to death.
Suddenly the countenance of the king paled with terror. His eyes were fixed
upon the glowing flames, and turning to his lords, he said, “Did not we cast three
men bound into the midst of the fire?” (
Daniel 3:4
). The answer was, “True, O
king.” And now the monarch exclaimed, “Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the
midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son
of God” (
verse 25
).
When Christ manifests Himself to the children of men, an unseen power
speaks to their souls. They feel themselves to be in the presence of the Infinite
One. Before His majesty, kings and nobles tremble, and acknowledge that the
living God is above every earthly power.
With feelings of remorse and shame, the king exclaimed, “Ye servants of the
most high God, come forth” (
verse 26
). And they obeyed, showing themselves
unhurt before that vast multitude, not even the smell of the fire being upon their
garments. This miracle produced a striking change in the minds of the people. The
great golden image, set up with such display, was forgotten. The king published a
decree that anyone speaking against the God of these men should be put to death,
“because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort” (
verse 29
).
These three Hebrews possessed genuine sanctification. True Christian prin-
ciple will not stop to weigh the consequences. It does not ask, What will people
think of me if I do this? or, How will it affect my worldly prospects if I do that?
With the most intense longing the children of God desire to know what He would
have them do, that their works may glorify Him. The Lord has made ample
provision that the hearts and lives of all His followers may be controlled by divine
grace, that they may be as burning and shining lights in the world.
These faithful Hebrews possessed great natural ability, they had enjoyed the
highest intellectual culture, and now occupied a position of honor; but all this
did not lead them to forget God. Their powers were yielded to the sanctifying
influence of divine grace. By their steadfast integrity they showed forth the praises
of Him who had called them out of darkness into His marvelous light.—
The
Sanctified Life, 38-40
.
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