The Fiery Furnace
Posted by: Buffalo Dream Center
Topic: Bible Stories
Verse: My son, if sinners entice you do not consent. Proverbs 1:10
Props:
Instructions:
Discussion:
1. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were called to the dedication of a great idol.
A. King Nebuchadnezzar builds a giant golden idol and demanded that all of his leaders worship it.
1. It was about 90 feet tall and 9 feet wide.
2. It was to be worshiped when the music was played at the dedication ceremony.
B. King Nebuchadnezzar had three very wise counselors who came from Judah, a country he had conquered.
1. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were favorites of the king along with their friend David.
2. Because of their positions, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had to go to the dedication of the idol.
C. At the dedication, the commandment was given for all the king’s men to worship the idol.
1. All of the people who came to the dedication bowed to worship the image.
2. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not bow.
2. King Nebuchadnezzar pressured Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to worship his golden idol.
A. When the king heard that his three trusted counselors would not bow, he angrily ordered them to his throne.
1. Nebuchadnezzar didnt want to kill them, but wanted to talk them into going along with his plan.
2. He gave them a second chance to worship the idol and threatened to burn them in a fiery furnace if they did not do as he commanded.
B. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had more confidence in God then they did in the threats of Nebuchadnezzar.
1. God rewards those who do right, even if it gets them in trouble at first.
2. If you do wrong because of pressure from a friend, you will pay for it.
C. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego told the king that God would save them if he threw them into the fire.
1. They said ”our God is able and He will deliver us”
2. They would not bow to the image whether or not the king’s threats were true.
3. God delivered Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the furnace.
A. Nebuchadnezzar ordered his men to burn Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
1. They heated the furnace seven times hotter than normal.
2. They pushed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the furnace.
B. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not consumed by the flame because God protected them.
1. God honors those who won’t give in to pressure.
2. Only the cords that bound the men were burned, but otherwise, the fire had no effect on them.
C. When Nebuchadnezzar saw that they were unharmed; he was amazed and gave the glory to God.
1. He ordered that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be released.
2. He ordered that no man speak any evil against their God.
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