Fiery Furnace
27
In the Presence of the Infinite
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?” (
verse 24
).
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
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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 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 any one speaking against the God of these men should be to death,
“because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort” (
verse
29
).
Steadfast Integrity and the Sanctified Life
These three Hebrews possessed genuine sanctification. True Chris-
tian principle will not stop to weigh 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
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integrity they showed forth the praises of Him who had called them out