He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” (Dan. 3:25)
Expanded Passage: Daniel 3:24-28
He thought he knew what he was doing. Thought he knew who was in control. The flames hot and deadly, he’d lost his best men in the madness and rush. Three helpless men flung into the fire, bound head to toe. Doomed. They’d seen his wrath, paid the price for their disrespect. Helpless Jews. Helpless god. Three dead men; one smirking, almighty king.
If that were the end of the story, how sad it would be. But God often moves in the midst of sad tales. As Emmanuel, he walks with us. And Nebuchadnezzar saw firsthand that God was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire. “Weren’t there three men?” he asked his advisors, wondering perhaps if he’d counted wrong. Three men right in front of him, refusing to bow down. Now, four men, walking unbound, unharmed, while flames lapped around them—how could that be, except . . . ?!
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, and the world sees a miracle in the fire. Like Nebuchadnezzar, they must realize there is a Most High God, and they’re not him. They must see him on his throne, in control, and also see him walk with his people, bringing them freedom, even as flames lap their feet. The strange, amazing truth must be acknowledged of unsinged hair, unscorched robes, and four men instead of three.
Remember the fourth man still walks in the flames with you.
Jamie Hilty lives in northern Indiana with her pastor-husband, Josh. She spends her days reading aloud to her kids, planning retreats, and avoiding the dishes.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
