There is Another in the Fire

Not too long ago I heard one of my favorite speakers presenting on Daniel chapter three. It’s a well known Bible story. 

If you’re not familiar with it, not to worry, there’s an app for that-😌

There are a lot of themes found in this well known Bible story;

Faith and courage:The story highlights the importance of standing by one’s beliefs, even when facing significant danger.

God’s protection: It emphasizes the idea that God can protect his faithful followers even in extreme circumstances

Consequences of disobedience:The king’s initial actions serve as a reminder of the potential dangers of defying God’s will and self exhalation. 

Putting it into perspective, the speaker told the story of a son, who upon hearing the account of the story from his mother asked; “mother, I hear you say three men were placed in the fire, but the people saw four men in the furnace, and when they were asked to come out of the fiery furnace, only the three boys came out, where is the fourth man?”

Yep! I’ve heard and read that story many times, and I’ve never thought or asked that question. So of course my interest was piqued.

“Where is the fourth man?

The answer the mother gave her son was that the fourth man is still in the fire. For some, this answer might appear biblically unsound. But somehow, this account has left me more appreciative, and contemplative of the work that Jesus continues to do on the behalf of this wretched soul. 

This concept generates a fountain of joy and excitement within me, and other times I am ashamed and feel guilty that Jesus is still taking on the heat I should be feeling. But even in those moments of thought, Jesus reminds me that it has to be Him, the limitless, infinite, omnipotent God. 

Jesus is “taking the heat” like the “fourth man,” signifies that Jesus is metaphorically present with believers during their difficult trials, offering comfort and support, even when they feel like they are going through fire.

A comforting text is found in 2 Chronicles 20, verse 15. 

‘Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat [Listen Melody] Thus says the LORD to you, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.”

Ok, I’m going to let you reread that verse again, and give you full permission to insert your name as well.

Mercy Me- that’s shouting material right there, isn’t it?

The Lord is fighting for me!

Sometimes the pain of this world or our own personal suffering can corner us and fill us with a fear we never thought possible. It feels like the enemy of our souls is charging toward us and there is no stopping the advance. Other times, it seems the pressures of this world, friends and foes have turned the “heat” up seven times hotter.

But the God of our fathers stands ready with power and might in His hand, making a way (2 Chronicles 20:6).

Today, as I look back at the last few months of my life, I can still feel the heat of my fiery furnace. But its effect has no hold on me, why? Because there was another in the fire, standing next to me.

Just as the Hebrew boys were protected from the flames, Christians can trust that God will shield them from the damaging effects of their trials.

Nuggeteers, as you face your fiery furnace this week, I hope you find the words of this refrain satisfyingly quenching.

🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶 

There’ll be another in the fire
Standing next to [you]
There’ll be another in the waters
Holding back the seas
And should [you] ever need reminding
How good He’s been to [you]
…count the joy come every battle
‘Cause I know that’s where [He’ll] be

🎶There is another in the fire
(There is another in the fire)
(There is another in the fire)
(There is another in the fire)🎶

• performed by Hillsong United