The "Fourth Man" In The Fire

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4).

In Daniel chapter three, we read the inspiring story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were bound and thrown into fiery furnace for furnace for refusing to bow to king Nebuchadnezzar's idol.  Nebuchadnezzar's command was so urgent, and the fire so intense that the soldiers who threw the three young Hebrew men into the furnace were scorched to death instantly.

But then, right inside the fire, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego remained unhurt! A "fourth man" was inside the fire with them, and cushioned them against the effect of the raging inferno. At the sight of this, the Bible says "And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, 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. " (Daniel 3:23-25).

Notice how he described the "fourth man" in the fire; he said, "and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." That "fourth man" was the Holy Spirit! He ensured that the fire didn't hurt Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego: "...not a hair of their heads was singed; their coats were unscorched, and they didn't even smell of smoke" (Daniel 3:27 TLB). 

Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by this miracle and declared, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, for he sent his angel to deliver his trusting servants when they defied the king's commandment"(Daniel 3:28 TLB).That was no ordinary angel, but the Holy Spirit Himself!

The Lord never promised that you wouldn't go through the fire, but that when you walk through the fire you shall not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon you (Isaiah 43:2). The Holy Spirit, "the fourth man in the fire," will be right there to protect you, and bring you out victoriously from any adversity. No wonder He's called the friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24); His presence with you and in you guarantees your victory on every count!

PRAYER

Dear Holy Spirit, my trust is in you to help, guide, lead and protect me today and always! I appreciate and acknowledge your indwelling and eternal presence in my life in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Rhapsody of Realities     May 14, 2011
-Pastor Chris Oyakhilome