Out of the Fire

Working my way through Daniel--into chapter 3. I guess it was too much for King Neb to learn in the previous chapter that he was a bigshot. So, he has this huge 90'x90' statue built and commands all the people to bow before it when the music plays. However, there were 3 young men on location that had character, morals, Someone they believed in. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not bow down and worship this man-made image. They were outed by some locals (that probably were jealous of their position). ----I think this story isn't told enough because it is almost too amazing. When God really shows off like this, people seem to disbelieve. So, why should He show off? Anyhoo---The 3Boyz are brought before the king who sentences them to be tossed into the fiery furnace which he has turned up 7x's hotter than usual. Just in case, someone years later would say it wasn't a real fire...it was not a literal fire, the Scripture tells ust that the brave, strong soldiers that tossed the 3boyz into the fire were burnt to death. "...what God will be able to rescue from my hands?"-v.15 King Neb found the answer to that shortly. He saw four men, not three walking around in the fire. Astonished, he yelled for the 3 to come back out. They came out of the fire unhurt, not even smelling like smoke. Yeah, God showed off. Their faith and God's work didn't necessarily make King Neb a believer, but it did capture his attention; and he gave respect to their God (at least for the moment. Memories are so short.) What fire has God brought you out of, and you forgot about it? Stop and thank Him today. More importantly, live for Him like the Boyz.