DANIEL 3

I am re-reading the book of Daniel.  Today was Daniel 3, the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace.  What leaped out most saliently to me today in reading the story again was that their assertion to King Neb was that their God would deliver them from his hands.  They didn't proclaim they'd be saved from the fire - but they'd be saved from Nebuchadnezzar.  That salvation could have just as easily come through their death.  The fire was so hot that the men who threw them in were killed - but the 3 faithful Hebrew children were spared.  One like a 'son of the gods' - Neb's description - walked with them in the flames.  The cords that bound them fell off, but they were not touched by the flame.   They didn't even smell like smoke.

What an amazing reminder that God has our back.  It is true that He doesn't perform conspicuous miracles every time we ask.  If He did, no one would ever die - and it is appointed to man (because of the sin of Adam and Eve) that we will one day die.  The only exceptions to that 'rule' are those who are alive at Jesus' return.  Then those who are dead in Christ will rise first, and those who are alive and yet remain will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the sky - to be forever with the Lord.  (The only other recorded exception is Enoch, who was translated without dying, and his death may come later as one of the two witnesses in the Book of Revelation.)

There is a ton I do not understand - and that God has not cleared up for me - but His Word provides enough history and clarity for me to trust the future to Him.  Like the 3 men who were faced with a fiery furnace death, we too know a God who is able to deliver.  I love that they were spared death as a testimony to those who witnessed the event - and I love the 180 degree turn around the King made in His view and his proclamation of which God would be honored!  I know God frequently works through circumstances - - but I love it when there is no other way to explain what just happened except that He showed up in power.

Thank you, Lord, for the history of your amazing intervention.  When I walk through 'the fire' You are with me.  Thank you for Your love and care.