Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O 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 save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18
Heavenly Father, I am intrigued, convicted and encouraged by the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. How refreshing it is to behold such a non-utilitarian love for you, Lord. These three friends worshipped 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 not affect their worship of you. They would rather be delivered into your presence through the fire than to worship some other false god just to escape the fire.
Abba, Father, forgive me when my love for you and worship of you varies in response to my perceptions of how well and quick you answer my prayers, how you “bless” me, or how you make my life easier or less painful. As cynical as I am about the “name it and claim it,” “gab it and grab it” prosperity theologies, I am still quite capable of doubting your love or holding you hostage to my self-centered expectations of how you should care for me in this life. I want to worship you before there’s a fire, when I’m in the fire, when the fire is extinguished, or when you might choose to take me home through the fire.
Lord Jesus, you alone can give me such freedom and self-less love for God. For even as you were the fourth man King Nebuchadnezzar saw walking around in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, so you are the One who endured the fiery trial of the cross for all who trust in you. And, Jesus, you have promised never to leave or to forsake your beloved Bride, at any time or in any situation.
Because of you, Jesus, I don’t have to be afraid to die and I don’t have to be afraid to live. May your beauty, love, mercy and grace be so compelling to my heart, Jesus, that at the very moment I’m tempted to turn to some false god/idol for temporal deliverance or instant relief, I will quickly repent and rest in the God who does ALL things well. Amen and Amen!