Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him,
“King Nebuchadnezzar… 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
Heavenly Father, the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is encouraging, convicting, and liberating. These three friends didn’t worship you as a “Sugar Daddy,” but as a Sovereign Father.
They were convinced that you could rescue them from the fiery furnace. But even if you didn’t, it wouldn’t minimize their love and worship of you. They’d rather be delivered into your presence through the fire, than worship a false god to escape the fire.
Forgive us when our trust and worship of you vacillates. All it takes is a global virus or a plunging DOW, personal pain or an unexpected transition, for us to question your goodness. Father—by the Gospel and your Spirit, we want to worship you before there’s a “fire,” or when we’re in a “fire.” If we’re delivered from a “fire,” or if you take us home through a “fire.”
Because of Jesus, such a longing isn’t wishful thinking, but a promised reality. Jesus wasn’t just the fourth man King Nebuchadnezzar saw walking around in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:25); he is our faithful Savior who endured the fiery trial of the cross for us.
No matter the temptation, trial, or trauma—Jesus is with us and for us. This side of the new heaven and new earth, life won’t be crisis free, but it’ll never be Christ absent.
Because of Jesus’ finished work, we don’t have to be afraid to die, or live. May your beauty, grace, and peace keep us centered, in every season of life—including this season. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ peerless and powerful name.