The Fiery Furnace Now, there was a time when Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were rulers over Babylon, with Nebuchadnezzar as king. And Nebuchadnezzar decided that he would build a statue of himself for everyone to worship. He made a law, saying, “When you hear the sound of the pipe, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music, now down to the golden statue that I have made.” Everyone bowed down except for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Now men had seen what they had done, and reported to Nebuchadnezzar saying, “There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the entire province of Babylon, and they pay no attention to your law. They have not bowed down to the statue that you made.” Then Nebuchadnezzar said to Daniel’s friends, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you have not bowed down to the statue that I have made? Now be ready when you hear the sound of the pipe, lyre, harp, and all kinds of music, be ready to bow down to the image that I have made.” They answered him, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need a second chance. We will not bow down or worship your idols or anything. Our God can save us from the fire. If not, let it be known to you that we will not worship your idols or anything.” Nebuchadnezzar was so angry, that he made the fire 7 times hotter. The fire was so hot, that it killed the men who threw them in the furnace! The three friends fell bound into the furnace. Nebuchadnezzar was shocked, as he saw something unbelievable! He saw four men walking freely in the furnace! And the fourth one looked like the Son of God! Nebuchadnezzar said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, come out of the furnace!” And they did. Everyone around was shocked! Then he made a law, saying, “No one must speak against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.” That is the end of this story, here are the lessons: