Crumbs 66

 

This contains some thoughts on Daniel 3

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 66

Into the fire

Scripture Daniel 3:16-26 New International Version16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 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. 18 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.”19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire

Crumbs There are situations in which the Christian has to say “ No!” For these three men it was giving the worship that belonged to God to something else. We draw our red lines that may not be crossed in different places. Reading Romans I find that mutual tolerance must be practiced. We are different folk and our consciences behave differently. There are things that belong to God alone and should be given to no other. This includes our worship.The attitude shown in verse 17 is astounding. The men were focused on their service to God. They believed in His sovereign power. They were convinced that service and worship should be directed to God alone. This they believed and this they practiced.

Suffering is universal and Christianity does not give a way out. It does give the promise that we shall not suffer alone . Christ joined these young men in the heat. Listening to the news I think that the adage of Descartes “ I think therefore I am.” should be adjusted to “ I suffer therefore I am.” It is tempting to preach the Gospel as only a therapy for human woes. That is not its main purpose which is far bigger. The Gospel is God, through the cross of Christ. putting right the wrongs caused by the rebellion of humankind . Questions 1.What must we say no to in our daily interactions with the world? 2. What may the three men teach about our attitude to suffering? 3. Why is the fourth man significant ?