The Fiery Furnace

A powerful king named Nebuchadnezzar made a great image of gold and sent out this decree: (Pause 5 sec.)

"To you it is commanded, nations and languages, that when you hear the sound of the instruments you should fall down and worship the golden image, and whosoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the burning, fiery furnace."

But there were three faithful believers: Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego, who worshipped the true God, maker of Heaven and earth. Of course, they would never bow down to any image no matter what happened. For God had said, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, thou shalt not bow thyself down to them." Their enemies were waiting to see what they would do.

(*) The hour came. The instruments began to sound. (PAUSE 5 sec.) But the three young men did not so much as bow their heads to the image. The king was very angry. He told them they would either bow the knee-or else-and said: "And what God can deliver you out of my hands?"

They answered, "Our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us out of the fiery furnace and out of your hands, too, O King; but if not, be it known unto you that we will not worship the golden image."

(*) The King cried out furiously, "Heat the furnace seven times hotter and throw them in." (PAUSE 5 SEC.) The men who threw them in were burned to death because of the awful heat, but Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego remained alive.

The King went to see this great sight, and saw three men walking about in the midst of the fire and with them was a fourth who looked like the Son of God. (*) The King called to them, "Come forth", and three men came out without even the smell of fire on their clothes. (PAUSE 5 sec.)

(*) Then the King sent out word through all the land saying, (PAUSE 3 SEC.) "Blessed be the God of Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants that trusted in Him. (They dared to disobey me, the King, and give up their lives rather than worship anyone but the true God.) (*) If anyone even speaks against them, they shall be cut to pieces for there is no other God like this." (PAUSE 3 sec.) (And the King gave our friends high places of honor in the province.)

Jesus Christ said, "Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in Heaven." "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."

(The Apostle Paul said: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.)

Sound effects: Instruments, fire crackling, music, trumpets, effect -

NOTE: If too long, sentences between brackets could be omitted.

References: Matt. 10:32, Rom. l0:10, Acts. 16:31, Rom. 1:16.