"Lo, I See Four Men Loose..."

Dan. 3:25

  1. ... 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.

Commentary

Some of the most courageous words in Scripture were uttered by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. King Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful man in the world, had just presented them with an ultimatum: Bow to the idol, or burn in the furnace. Responding without hesitation, the three men asserted their confidence that God could deliver them from the fire. "But if not," they added, "we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (Dan. 3:17-18). This statement showed the depth of their commitment - trusting in God Himself, not just believing for a particular outcome.

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews recounts many stories of those who triumphed through faith. For some, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, God "quenched the violence of fire." Others - no less victorious - held on to their faith all the way through agony and death. (Heb. 11:34-35)

When we obey God without conditions, that obedience always bears fruit. Sometimes the fruit is realized in eternity, where a crown of life awaits all who endure to the end. Other times it is manifested immediately, as when Nebuchadnezzar and all the rulers of his empire were made to tremble at the power of God in saving the Hebrews from the fire (Dan. 3:27-29).

Whether God delivers us from our trials or not, we can have the same assurance that sustained Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego: There will always be that fourth man in the fire. He is the Son of God, who promised "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."


All Scripture references from KJV. Commentary ©2012 Hitchcock Family Ministry. Unaltered text may be reproduced freely without financial gain. Original commentary and Scripture song available at http://www.freescripturesongs.org/lo-i-see-four-men-loose.