Trial by Fire

In this week’s Bible Lesson from the Christian Science Quarterly, we read in Section 2 the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their fiery ordeal in a furnace, as ordered by King Nebuchadnezzar. The story is found in Daniel chapter 3. Below are some items related to this story to help in your studies.

From “The burning fiery furnace” by Agnes F. Miller (Christian Science Sentinel, Jan. 21, 1922):

“Every student of Christian Science is faced with the decree of the human or mortal mind to render obeisance to other gods,—gods of fear, worry, hatred, jealously, pride, indifference, sickness, sin, and the legion of others; and each student has experienced the burning fiery furnace which consumes these errors when an honest effort is made to worship only the true God, by replacing these gods with confidence, peace, love, trust, humility, alertness, health, and goodness, gained through loving obedience to the First Commandment.”

From Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy:

“Even in captivity among foreign nations, the divine Principle wrought wonders for the people of God in the fiery furnace and in kings’ palaces.” (p. 133:15)

“The divine Love, which made harmless the poisonous viper, which delivered men from the boiling oil, from the fiery furnace, from the jaws of the lion, can heal the sick in every age and triumph over sin and death.” (p. 243:4–8)

From Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896 by Mary Baker Eddy:

“Those only who are tried in the furnace reflect the image of their Father.” (p. 278:17–18)

As always, additional study tools are available at christianscience.com.

I hope you found these tidbits informative.

Until next time,

Kenneth Foster, CS