我又何必再說呢？若要一一細說，基甸、巴拉、參孫、耶弗他、大衛、撒母耳，和眾先知的事，時候就不夠了。他們因著信，制伏了敵國，行了公義，得了應許，堵了獅子的口，滅了烈火的猛勢，脫了刀劍的鋒刃；軟弱變為剛強，爭戰顯出勇敢，打退外邦的全軍。And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.（希伯來書 Hebrews 11:32-34）
金像與火窯Golden Statue and Blazing Furnace
這個巨大的金像高九十呎（60肘），矗立在巴比倫城南邊的杜拉平地之上，（但3:1）極遠就能望見。炙熱的陽光照射其上，金光四射，耀人眼目。巨像之前聚滿了人，乃是尼布甲尼撒王所召集的各級官員，要給這像行開光之禮。大王有令：一旦樂聲響起，全體均當俯伏敬拜這像，不拜者必立時扔在烈火的窯中。
你們一聽見角、笛、琵琶、琴、瑟、笙，和各樣樂器的聲音，就當俯伏敬拜尼布甲尼撒王所立的金像。凡不俯伏敬拜的，必立時扔在烈火的窯中。（但3:5-6）
不遠之處有一燃燒的火窯，幾個大漢打著赤膊，全身大汗淋漓，不時向窯中加柴。眾臣要躲那刺目的金光，又要躲火窯的熱氣，卻又不敢在大王面前做得太明顯，實是苦不堪言。現場的氣氛緊張，只見尼布甲尼撒王臉色陰沉，怒目瞪著站在他面前的三個人，似乎隨時都要爆發。眾臣低著頭，大氣都不敢喘一聲，心想：這三人死定了！突然，只聽尼布甲尼撒大喝一聲：
「咄！沙得拉、米煞、亞伯尼歌，你們三人到底拜是不拜？」
眾臣心裡一驚，嚇得臉色蒼白。是啊，這也難怪他們，這可是尼布甲尼撒王啊！他年少之時就隨著父親東征西討，連不可一世的亞述帝國都亡在他的手中。在伯拉大河之濱那場史上聞名的迦基米施之役（The Battle of Carchemish, 605 BC），他又大敗埃及王法老尼哥，（耶46:2）此後再也無敵手。他建造巴比倫城，寬厚的城牆上可以跑馬，城中的空中花園是古代世界七大奇觀之一。面對這麼一位雄才大略、聲威赫赫的君王，除了眼前的三人，又有誰敢違背他的旨意呢？
沙得拉、米煞、亞伯尼歌 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
這三人名叫沙得拉、米煞、亞伯尼歌，他們是猶太貴族，和但以理一同被擄到巴比倫。他們曾經為了不玷汙自己，和但以理一同拒絕王的膳食。後因但以理的推薦，三人被尼布甲尼撒任命為官員，管理巴比倫省的事務。（但2:49）聽到尼布甲尼撒大聲喝問，只見他們面不改色，以穩定的聲音對王說：
尼布甲尼撒啊，這件事我們不必回答你；即便如此，我們所事奉的神能將我們從烈火的窯中救出來。王啊，他也必救我們脫離你的手！即或不然，王啊，你當知道我們決不事奉你的神，也不敬拜你所立的金像。（但3:16-18）
從來沒有人敢這樣頂撞他！尼布甲尼撒怒氣填胸，下令將火窯燒到最熱，又令他軍中的幾個壯士將這三人捆起來，扔在烈火的窯中。王命緊急，窯又甚熱，只聽幾聲慘叫：啊…啊…那些扔人的壯士，居然都被火焰活活燒死！沙得拉、米煞、亞伯尼歌三人都被捆著，落在烈火的窯中。（但3:19-23）
即或不然 Even If Not
為何這三人不肯拜金像？因他們他們只拜真神，不拜假神。只在耶和華面前屈膝，不在偶像面前屈膝。這是他們信仰的原則，就算國家亡了，人被擄了，生命受到威脅，原則也不能改變。為何這三人不怕被扔在烈火的窯中？因他們相信「我們所事奉的神能將我們從烈火的窯中救出來，他也必救我們。」他們相信神能救他們，神也必救他們（He can, and He will）。弟兄姊妹，這樣的信心何等寶貴！他們所信的是一位又真又活的神，這位神使他們長途跋涉而不死，吃素菜喝白水而俊美肥胖，身為俘虜而做到高官。他們深信，同樣的一位神，必能將他們從烈火的窯中救出來！
他們不但有「神必拯救」的信心，也有「即或不然」的決心：「即或不然，王啊，你當知道我們決不事奉你的神，也不敬拜你所立的金像。」這一句「即或不然」，可說是信心和勇氣的最高表現。它所展現的是一種寧死不屈的殉道精神，是斬釘截鐵、視死如歸、真信心所產生的真勇氣。這和彼得不畏官府的威逼，當面對他們說：「我們所看見所聽見的不能不說！」（徒4:20）所展現的是同樣的精神。在歷史上基督徒曾受過無數次的迫害，每經一次迫害，福音卻更加廣傳。因為真信徒具有「即或不然」的精神，即便殉道，他們的鮮血也成為福音的種子。比起這種大無畏的精神，現代信徒的貪圖舒適，怕付代價，切切追求「繁榮、健康、財富」，沾沾自喜於個人的「小確幸」，立時顯得微不足道，無地自容。
滅了烈火的猛勢 Quenched the fury of the flames
尼布甲尼撒眼見三人落入烈火的窯中，心中的怒氣稍平，但卻有些納悶：連扔他們的軍士都燒死慘叫，怎麼沒聽到這三人慘叫？他張眼望去，不禁大驚失色，從座位上急忙站起，對謀士說：
「我捆起來扔在火裡的不是三個人嗎？」
「王啊，是。」
「看哪，我見有四個人，並沒有捆綁，在火中遊行，也沒有受傷；那第四個的相貌好像神子。」 （但3:24-25）
尼布甲尼撒就近烈火窯門，說：「至高神的僕人沙得拉、米煞、亞伯尼歌出來，上這裡來吧！」沙得拉、米煞、亞伯尼歌就從火中出來了。那些總督、欽差、巡撫和王的謀士一同聚集看這三個人，見火無力傷他們的身體，頭髮也沒有燒焦，衣裳也沒有變色，並沒有火燎的氣味。（但3:26-27）就這樣，神在沙得拉、米煞、亞伯尼歌三人的周圍滅了烈火的猛勢，使他們毫髮無傷的從火窯中走出來。
在烈火中出現的人 One Who Appears in Blazing Fire
扔進火窯的是三個人，尼布甲尼撒卻看見四個人在火中遊行。那第四個人是誰？尼布甲尼撒說：那人的相貌好像神子。「神子」不是「神的兒子」，並非指耶穌，乃是指救護的天使。尼布甲尼撒稱頌神說：
沙得拉、米煞、亞伯尼歌的神是應當稱頌的！他差遣使者救護倚靠他的僕人。（但3:28）
親愛的弟兄姊妹，在烈火中出現的其實是兩個人：一是我們的真我，一是神的使者。在烈火之中，真我現出了原形：我是經得起考驗，還是經不起考驗？是被燒滅，還是在火中遊行？那真心倚靠神的人，神就差遣使者來救護他們，和他們一同在火中行走，帶他們走出烈火的猛勢。
沙得拉、米煞、亞伯尼歌的經歷告訴我們：
- 神能拯救我們，他也必拯救我們
- 在烈火中行走的人具有「即或不然」的決心
【Life is a song】One Who Appears in Blazing Fire
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. (Hebrews 11:32-34)
Golden Statue and Blazing Furnace
The massive golden statue stood at ninety feet tall (sixty cubits), erected on the plain of Dura south of Babylon (Daniel 3:1), visible from afar. The burning sun shone upon it, reflecting golden rays in all directions, eye-catching and almost blinding. Officials in various leadership positions whom King Nebuchadnezzar had summoned were gathered around to attend the dedication of the statue. The King ordered: As soon as the music sounds, everyone must fall down and worship this image of gold. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.
As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace. (Daniel 3:5-6)
Not far away there was a blazing furnace, guarded by big strong men who stoked the fire frequently, drenched with perspiration from the heat. The crowd attempted to stay away from the blinding rays deflecting off the golden statue, while trying to avoid the intense heat from the furnace. The atmosphere was tense as the people were afraid of incurring the wrath of the king. Suddenly, the king’s face darkened as he stared in rage at the three men standing in front of him. The officials held their breath and thought that the men were doomed! Nebuchadnezzar shouted, “Hey! Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, are the three of you going to bow down to the statue or not?”
The officials shook with fear, for this was King Nebuchadnezzar! As a young man, he followed his father into many a battle, conquering cities far and wide, and even the mighty land of Assyria fell into his hands. In the Battle of Carchemish (605 BC) on the Euphrates River, he defeated Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt (Jeremiah 46:2). After that, no one dared to enter into battle with him. He built the city of Babylon with city walls wide enough for horses to race on, and the hanging gardens within the city became one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. In the presence of such a mighty and intimidating king, who would dare to disobey his commands, besides the three men standing in front of him?
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
The three men were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, all from Jewish royal families, and together with Daniel, were captives to Babylon. So as not to defile themselves, these three men and Daniel had refused food and wine from the king’s table. Later, by Daniel’s recommendation, the king appointed the three men to be administrators over the province of Babylon (Daniel2:49). In the face of the king’s fury, the three men remained calm and replied:
O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. (Daniel 3:16-18)
No one had ever dared to talk back to him! Nebuchadnezzar was furious, and ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual. He commanded his strongest soldiers to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who had thrown the three men! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were firmly tied and fell into the blazing furnace. (Daniel 3:19-23)
Even if Not
Why did these three men refuse to worship the golden image? The reason was that they only worshipped the one true God, and did not worship false gods. They bowed their knee only to the Lord Almighty, and not to any idols. This was at the core of their faith, a principle they would hold fast to even if their country was defeated, even if they were captured, even if their lives were threatened. Why were they unafraid of being thrown into the blazing furnace? Because they firmly believed “the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us.” They had faith that God can save them, and God will save them. Brothers and sisters, what a precious faith this is! They believed in a true and living God and could testify to what He had done in their lives. They had to walk a long and arduous journey as captives, yet they survived. They lived only on vegetables and water, yet still looked healthy and well-nourished. They were captives in an enemy land, yet were promoted to become officials of the land. They had no doubt in their mind that this same God would save them from the blazing furnace!
Even more astounding than their faith that “God will save” was their “even if He does not” determination. “But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold that you have set up.” The phrase “even if He does not” can be said to be the pinnacle of one’s faith and courage. It is a true faith, a faith that is steadfast in the face of danger and unwavering to the point of death, a faith that produces true courage. This is the same kind of faith that Peter displayed to the rulers and elders who were threatening him, when he declared “For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) Throughout history, countless believers have been persecuted for their faith, and with each persecution, the gospel has remarkably become more widespread. The “even if not” resolve of true believers enabled them to share the gospel fearlessly, even if it meant giving up their lives for the sake of Christ. When they died, the blood of these martyrs planted the seeds of the gospel so that the gospel flourished because of them. In comparison with such a fearless spirit, the faiths of many present-day believers seem small and insignificant, almost embarrassing. They covet comfort, are unwilling to make sacrifices, and eagerly pursue “prosperity, health, and wealth”, becoming complacent with these “small blessings”.
Quenched the Fury of the Flames
Nebuchadnezzar’s anger subsided after he saw the three men being thrown into the blazing furnace, but he wondered why there was no screaming coming from the men. Even the soldiers who had thrown them in had yelled in anguish as they died from the heat. He looked into the furnace and what he saw shocked him. He leapt to his feet and asked his advisers:
“Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”
“Certainly, O king.”
“Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” (Daniel 3:24-25)
Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. (Daniel 3:26-27) Thus God quenched the fury of the flames, and brought Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego safely out of the blazing furnace, completely unharmed.
One Who Appears in Blazing Fire
Three men were thrown into the furnace, yet Nebuchadnezzar saw a fourth man walking in the fire. Who was this fourth man? Nebuchadnezzar said “the fourth looks like a son of the gods”. “A son of the gods” is not “the son of God”. It was not Jesus, but an angel who was in the furnace with them. Nebuchadnezzar praised God, saying:
Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! (Daniel 3:28)
Dear brothers and sisters, who do we see in this blazing fire? In fact, the blazing fire shows us a picture of two people. The first is myself, and the second the angel of God. In the fire, my true self is revealed—am I able to stand firm in adversity, or will I crumple and fall; will I be destroyed by the flames, or will I be able to walk around in the fire? To those who trust in Him, the Lord will send an angel to protect and rescue them, to walk with them in the fire, and to lead them out of the blazing fire to safety.
The experience of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teaches us:
- God can save us, and God will save us.
- Those who walk in the fire possess an “even if not” kind of determination.
