Daniel 3 records one of the best-known biblical stories of how Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego survived in a fiery furnace designed to burn them to bits in a matter of moments. We know the story. King Nebuchadnezzar had a statue of himself built and the order went out, according to Daniel 3:5, that as soon as the people heard the sound of various instruments they were to “ fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.” 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to do so, knowing they were to worship only the true and living God. Sure enough, they were reported by their enemies to none other than King Nebuchadnezzar himself, who according to verse 13 was, “Furious with rage.” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were given a second chance, something kings never did, but they still refused to worship the king or his statue. 

Part of their response to the king is recorded in verses 17-18 that read, “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.”

Few responses are more powerful than their commitment to God regardless of what happens. The “But even if he does not” statement of faith. Things don’t always go the way we want them to but “if He does not” we are called upon to remain firm in our faith.

Of particular interest today is verse 25 where we read that King Nebuchadnezzar looked into the fire and declared “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not in the fire alone, God was with them.

We are not in this pandemic alone. We would all like to be spared from getting sick, “but if not” we can be sure that we are not alone. None of us like being quarantined but we are not alone. God is with us!

Tim Hill wrote a powerful song entitled “He’s Still In The Fire” In that song he asks the question, “If three went in and three came out, then where’d that fourth man go?” The lyrics go on, “He’s still in the fire and he’s walking in the flame, And he’ll be there to help you when you call upon his name, And he can still deliver by His almighty power, While here below it’s good to know He’s still in the fire.”

Today take courage. We are not alone. He is in this with us!

Don’t forget to stay in touch with one another via phone

COMING FOR SUNDAY: WE ARE GOING TO DO A ZOOM WORSHIP SERVICE AT 9:00. LOOK FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON HOW TO CONNECT OR GET IN TOUCH WITH JEN F.