Back in 1794, an artist painted the Ancient of Days.
H.e.r.e.
Overseeing all our troubles.
Raising us up to life again.
H.e.r.e. Daniel.
A young good-looking fella who made up his mind that in the midst of the world in which he lived, he would not defile himself with the King's choice food. He even prayed all night long for wisdom. Daniel 2:17-19. He even sought permission to withhold from a king. Daniel 1:8. It's a story of "favor and compassion in the sight of his commander." What drives Daniel to pray, to fast, to withhold, to let go of comfort, to follow fully the Ancient of Days, as Jerusalem lies in ruin all around him and he requests compassion from this God of Heaven about these mysteries? Daniel 2:18.
What kind of God is Daniel and Shadrach and Abed-nego and Meshach serving? Not a God of prosperity and blessing and comfort. Not a God Who promises a hope that nothing serious will ever go wrong in their lives if you just believe.
H.e.r.e. is how they wrestled with hard questions:
They were asked by Nebuchadnezzar to bow down and worship a golden image.
Their reply: We do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter, O King.
"If it be so, our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O King. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O King, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
Daniel 3:16-19.
PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Psalm 71:20 - David writes: You have shown us many troubles and distresses and You will revive us again. Whether we are in the midst of the death of what we have loved, may we be strong in the Life of Whom we love. God, You are strong to smite us; You are strong to save us. We are not promised a trouble free life. We are promised Your Presence and Power. Raise us up again.
PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Psalm 71:20 - David writes: You have shown us many troubles and distresses and You will revive us again. Whether we are in the midst of the death of what we have loved, may we be strong in the Life of Whom we love. God, You are strong to smite us; You are strong to save us. We are not promised a trouble free life. We are promised Your Presence and Power. Raise us up again.
The king threw three in the fire, then saw a Fourth... and they were not even singed, not even the smell of fire on them!
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate their response to the king: Our God can do this, but even if He doesn't we will not serve another god.
"...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods"
Do I have more faith in the deliverance or in the God who delivers? Even when He does not? I've talked a lot recently with a friend about God disappointing her. She hates to say it because she is grateful for all He has done, but specifically she wanted Him to answer her prayer. She knows He can. And she responds with knowing she doesn't desire another god. She wants Jesus.
What if He hadn't saved those three? They still would have remained faithful! That's the story. That's the big deal. Not the miracle of these fire-walkers but their relationship with the One True God.