The Fourth Man — Divine Presence in the Fire
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 is one of the most compelling demonstrations of God’s presence, protection, and power in the midst of adversity. When King Nebuchadnezzar threw them into the blazing furnace for refusing to bow to the idol, something supernatural happened—a Fourth Man appeared in the fire. His appearance changed everything.
This message reveals who the Fourth Man is, what His presence represents, and how this revelation applies to your life today.
1. The Identity of the Fourth Man — Christ Revealed in the Old Testament
Nebuchadnezzar said:
“I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire… and the appearance of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
— Daniel 3:25
The Fourth Man is a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ—known in theology as a Christophany. He shows up long before Bethlehem, long before the manger, long before the cross—right in the fire.
Supporting Scriptures:
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John 1:1–3 — Christ existed from the beginning.
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Colossians 1:16–17 — All things were created through Him and in Him all things hold together.
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Hebrews 13:8 — Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
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Isaiah 43:2 — “When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned.”
Christ did not meet them outside the fire.
Christ met them in the fire.
2. The Fourth Man Breaks the Power of Bondage
Before the men were thrown into the fire, they were bound (Daniel 3:23). But inside the fire, Nebuchadnezzar saw:
“They are loose…”
— Daniel 3:25
🔥 Revelation:
Sometimes the fire God allows is not to destroy you, but to burn off what is binding you.
The same fire that was meant to kill them became the fire that set them free.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Isaiah 10:27 — The yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.
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Psalm 34:19 — Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
3. The Fourth Man Turns the Furnace Into a Testimony Platform
The furnace did not consume them—it announced them.
The fire became the stage upon which God revealed His glory.
Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction turned into a public declaration:
“There is no other god who can save like this!”
— Daniel 3:29
Your fire can become the place where your testimony is born.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Genesis 50:20 — What was meant for evil, God turned to good.
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Romans 8:28 — All things work together for good for those who love God.
4. The Fourth Man Manifested God’s Presence in Crisis
God did not prevent the fire from being heated seven times hotter.
He allowed it.
Why?
🔥 Because His presence is not proven in the absence of fire,
but in the midst of it.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Psalm 23:4 — “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”
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Psalm 46:1 — God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
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Deuteronomy 31:6 — “He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
You may be in the furnace of affliction, delay, financial pressure, sickness, or spiritual warfare—but the Fourth Man is there with you.
5. The Fourth Man Protects Without Removing You From the Fire
The miracle is not that God took them out of the fire.
The miracle is that the fire had no power over them.
“The fire had no effect on their bodies, nor was a hair of their head singed.”
— Daniel 3:27
🔥 The fire lost its power
🔥 The flames lost their authority
🔥 The furnace lost its assignment
Supporting Scriptures:
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Luke 10:19 — You shall tread on serpents and scorpions… nothing shall by any means harm you.
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Isaiah 54:17 — No weapon formed against you shall prosper.
What should have killed you could not kill you.
6. The Fourth Man Promotes After the Fire
After the furnace, the king promoted them:
“Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego…”
— Daniel 3:30
🔥 Promotion comes after preservation.
🔥 Glory comes after the furnace.
🔥 Doors open after endurance.
Supporting Scriptures:
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1 Peter 5:10 — After you have suffered a while… He will settle, strengthen, and establish you.
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James 1:12 — Blessed is the man who endures trials; he will receive the crown of life.
Prophetic Lessons From the Fourth Man
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God does not prevent every fire, but He enters every fire.
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What binds you will burn, but you will not burn.
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The fire reveals who is with you.
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The presence of the Fourth Man is worth more than the absence of the furnace.
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Your fire will produce a testimony that transforms nations.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the Fourth Man—Jesus Christ—who walks with me in every fire.
Let every bondage in my life burn off without harming me.
Turn every furnace into a testimony.
Manifest Your presence, protection, and promotion in my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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