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.“ Daniel 3:16-18
Heavenly Father, this story is, simultaneously, convicting and encouraging. Such God-centered, non-utilitarian, heart-engaged worship of you is rare, and beautiful. Take us farther up and further in. At times, we worship worship, more than we worship you.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t worship you because of the gifts you give them, but because of the God that you were to them. 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 love for you, and trust in you.
Father, forgive us when the intensity and delight of our worship is tied to our experience of your goodness—to how well you provide for us, protect us, and fulfill our expectations of you.
We want to worship you in or out of the fire; when life is easy, and when it’s not; when your presence is real and when your silence is loud; when our health is good and when it’s fragile; when we feel like shouting, “Great is your faithfulness!” and when our cry is, “How long, O Lord?” You are Abba Father, not Sugar Daddy.
Lord Jesus, you endured the “fiery trial” of the cross that we might know the unsearchable riches of God’s grace. By the Holy Spirit, stoke the fire in our hearts that we might know you are just as present with us as you were with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. You will never leave us or forsake us—at any time or in any trial. Because of you, we don’t have to be afraid to die, or live. So very Amen we pray, in your beautiful and strong name.