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Power and Its Limitations

Dan 3:25
25 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. (KJV)

This verse conveys a powerful lesson concerning both power and its limitations. The “He” that begins the sentence is proud king Nebuchadnezzar. He ought to have known better, but could not resist the temptation to create his own God. As pride and pomp would dictate, he directed the whole of his kingdom to bow before it and to give it reverence. Three young and promising Jewish captives had been taught better, and would not bow. Therefore, the king had them thrown into a furnace. In this act he did the most
horrific thing that he could do to punish these worshipers of the true God.

As he looks into the furnace, he beholds a scene that he did not anticipate. Though formerly bound, the men are now free. They do not appear to feel the flames. Perhaps most frightening of all, is that one has been added to their number.

It is so with our enemies, our God, and us. Since we need not fear the wrath of God, we need not fear the threatening of any man. The power of man, even if he were a king, has  its limits. We may be destroyed by the next enemy we face, but not unless God says it’s alright. If He should take our defense, the entire force of hell is insufficient for our hurt.

There is at least one more precious truth in this text. No matter the circumstance, it is impossible that we should be alone. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will attend our victories. He will withdraw the sting from our defeats. He will usher us across the Jordan. He will welcome us to glory. He is our refuge and our defense.

George Moore
Elder Emeritus