Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”
Thought for Today
The three men of Israel put their faith in God to rescue them and God showed up. Not figuratively. He literally appeared in the fiery furnace! The smug smile on Nebuchadnezzar’s face melts ways as he realizes that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are not consumed by the fire, but freed. The only thing consumed by the fire are their bonds. They begin walking around the fire and a fourth person appears. He is clearly no ordinary mortal. He looks like “a son of the gods.” Is this an angel or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ? No one knows for sure. What we know is that someone representing God stood in their midst to make sure that everyone knew who had rescued the men who dared to defy the king. This was a contest between the God of Israel and the king of Babylon. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were the men caught in the middle of the contest. They had chosen wisely when they put their trust in the One Nebuchadnezzar had called the “King of lords” just a chapter ago. God is trust worthy. He will defend His honor when it is challenged. We may need to stand up and be counted, but never think the contest is between you and the one who challenged God’s honor. God Himself shows up to both defend His people and His honor. So, don’t be afraid to stand up for God. He will never let you stand alone.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise never to leave nor forsake me. I will stand for You with confidence because I know I do not stand alone. Amen.
Devotional Quote
For you will certainly carry out God's purpose, however you act, but it makes a difference to you whether you serve like Judas or like John. ― C.S. Lewis
Quote of the Day
Men trust God by risking rejection. Women trust God by waiting. ― Carolyn McCulley
Daniel 3: You'll never stand alone
Daniel 3: 24-25
Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”
Thought for Today
The three men of Israel put their faith in God to rescue them and God showed up. Not figuratively. He literally appeared in the fiery furnace! The smug smile on Nebuchadnezzar’s face melts ways as he realizes that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are not consumed by the fire, but freed. The only thing consumed by the fire are their bonds. They begin walking around the fire and a fourth person appears. He is clearly no ordinary mortal. He looks like “a son of the gods.” Is this an angel or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ? No one knows for sure. What we know is that someone representing God stood in their midst to make sure that everyone knew who had rescued the men who dared to defy the king. This was a contest between the God of Israel and the king of Babylon. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were the men caught in the middle of the contest. They had chosen wisely when they put their trust in the One Nebuchadnezzar had called the “King of lords” just a chapter ago. God is trust worthy. He will defend His honor when it is challenged. We may need to stand up and be counted, but never think the contest is between you and the one who challenged God’s honor. God Himself shows up to both defend His people and His honor. So, don’t be afraid to stand up for God. He will never let you stand alone.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise never to leave nor forsake me. I will stand for You with confidence because I know I do not stand alone. Amen.
Devotional Quote
For you will certainly carry out God's purpose, however you act, but it makes a difference to you whether you serve like Judas or like John. ― C.S. Lewis
Quote of the Day
Men trust God by risking rejection. Women trust God by waiting. ― Carolyn McCulley