I read the familiar story of three men in a furnace this morning. (Daniel 3) Although I must have heard the story many times as a child and read the story to my own children and by myself dozens of times, it remains most impressive. The bravery and faith of Shad, Mesh, and Abed in the face of apparent certain death is remarkable. And their theology (is that the best term?) is so very healthy.
Here in part is what they said when faced with King Nebuchadnezzar's demand and threat. "We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. --- the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king." Absolute faith in God's protective ability to rescue them right then, right there.
"But if not (the memorable KJV phrase), we want you to know O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Confidence in God and his Sovereignty even if He chooses not to rescue them - which He can do, but may not do.
I thrill to read of the rescue miracle; how God sends an angel to stand with them, and protects them so that not even the smell of fire or smoke is on their clothes when they immerge from the blazing, intensely hot furnace.
Yet I am just as thrilled at the balance of their theology and faith. They are certain that God can rescue them, He is all the defence they need. Yet they confess a humble recognition that He may have other plans and may allow their death. Either way, they insist, they will remain loyal to their God!
May I, may you, exhibit such well grounded, biblically informed faith. Trusting God for blessing and favour. Believing that God does still perform miraculous healings and marvellous rescues.
Yet not insisting that God must come through for us in the way we want, we pray, we expect, we dictate. Resting, trusting in God's absolute love and wisdom to allow and to do what is ultimately the best from His divine perspective.
Here in part is what they said when faced with King Nebuchadnezzar's demand and threat. "We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. --- the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king." Absolute faith in God's protective ability to rescue them right then, right there.
"But if not (the memorable KJV phrase), we want you to know O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Confidence in God and his Sovereignty even if He chooses not to rescue them - which He can do, but may not do.
I thrill to read of the rescue miracle; how God sends an angel to stand with them, and protects them so that not even the smell of fire or smoke is on their clothes when they immerge from the blazing, intensely hot furnace.
Yet I am just as thrilled at the balance of their theology and faith. They are certain that God can rescue them, He is all the defence they need. Yet they confess a humble recognition that He may have other plans and may allow their death. Either way, they insist, they will remain loyal to their God!
May I, may you, exhibit such well grounded, biblically informed faith. Trusting God for blessing and favour. Believing that God does still perform miraculous healings and marvellous rescues.
Yet not insisting that God must come through for us in the way we want, we pray, we expect, we dictate. Resting, trusting in God's absolute love and wisdom to allow and to do what is ultimately the best from His divine perspective.
No comments:
Post a Comment