Previously on this episode of The Exile Chronicles …
God’s Chosen Nation, the Israelites are no longer a kingdom, but have become subjects to the Babylonian empire. In this season of exile, many Israelites are sent to serve in the palace. Among them are four young men who insist on maintaining their religious and sociopolitical identity.
This works in their favor as they have proven their intellectual, spiritual and professional acuity. But, the level of positive attention also earns them several enemies. When king Nebuchadnezzar discovers that these young men refuse to pledge allegiance to ought but God alone, he insists on punishment to the full extent of the law – execution by cremation!!!
The fires were lit and the flames were hot. In his anger Nebuchadnezzar insisted that the wood be filled with a solution that increased the heat capacity of the incinerator! The guards who assisted in cremating the boys almost died. When suddenly – Nebuchadnezzar gasped!
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Now back to today’s programming –
In his anger he opted to watch as they died so that he would make a full example of them. But, rather than grilled Hebrews, he saw FOUR MEN walking casually through the flames, chatting away without a care in the world!
The man who thought himself a god was confronted by the manifestation of the Spirit of the Most High God!
He reached for another look, rubbed his eyes, looked again.
He told his guards to look.
He was forced to declare that he had seen the Lord.
Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Daniel 3:26 NLT
Tune in again next time when we resume transmission of The Exile Chronicles. Until then, please consider your own response to life’s fiery trials. Are you willing to die for Christ, and are you conscious of God’s presence with you EVEN WHEN the furnace is at its highest heat level. I am your hostess, Rev Nicqi Ash
May God bless you in your life’s journeys.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
