Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King 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 deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Dan. 3:16-18
Dear heavenly Father, I’m intrigued, convicted, and encouraged by the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. How refreshing to behold such a bold, unwavering, non-utilitarian love for you. These three friends worshiped you not because of the gifts you give but because of the God that you are.
They were firmly convinced that you could rescue them from the fiery furnace, but even if you didn’t rescue them, it would have no effect on their worship of you. They would rather be delivered into your presence through the fire than worship some other false god just to escape the fire.
Father, forgive me when my worship of you is affected by my perceptions of how well and quick you answer my prayers, or how easy or difficult my life is. As cynical as I am about the “name it and claim it” and prosperity theologies, I’m quite capable of doubting your goodness and care when my circumstances get complicated and painful. That’s not my theology, but it can be my reality.
Father, I want to worship you before there’s a fire, when I’m in the fire, when the fire’s extinguished, if you choose to make the captain of the fire station, or even if you should choose to take me home through the fire. O for unwavering, unabated, unquestioning affection for you!
Lord Jesus, you alone can give me this kind of heart freedom and transforming love for God. The gospel in the only power sufficient for this kind of heart work. You were the fourth man King Nebuchadnezzar saw walking around in the fiery furnace, and you the endured the fiery trial of the cross, that whether we live or die, we are safe, beloved and at peace. You will never leave or forsake us, at any time or in any trial.
Because of you, Jesus, we don’t have to be afraid to die, and we don’t have to be afraid to live. May your beauty and grace be so compelling that at the very moment we’re tempted to turn to some false god or idol for temporal deliverance or instant relief, we won’t. We praise you for endless mercies and sufficient grace, for this and every day. So very Amen, we pray in your altogether worthy and trustworthy name.