Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Daniel 3:16-28.
When I read this, my first thought was that I wish I had this kind of faith in God’s love, protection, and care for me. These three are to be admired for the way they refused to worship the pagan gods of the Babylonians. When confronted by the powerful king and given the choice of worshiping the idols or being thrown into a fiery furnace, these three held true to their loyalty to God. Even when bound and being taken to the furnace, they remained faithful. What awesome trust in God! God did protect them, and they were saved from the intense heat. The king decreed after this incredible rescue that no one should ever say anything against God.
There is something of key importance in this story that we might miss. While these three were confident God would save them, they declared that even if God did not deliver them, they would not worship the false gods. So often, we try to make deals with God, conditioning our obedience to God on God’s action on our part. This passage calls us to step out in faith and trust God fully, not expecting anything in return.
Personal Worship Option:
Almighty God, give me the faith and trust in you that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show us in this story. Help me to know that you will deliver me from whatever life brings my way. Forgive me when I waiver in my trust in you. Amen!
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