A Moment To Praise 8.24.20
Joyce Lochinger, Gravel Hill Worship Leader
Who Walks With You?
As a kid, I was part of a musical through two combined churches in my hometown. It was called “It’s Cool In The Furnace!”. It was a very 1970’s-style production about the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. The whole story is found in the book of Daniel. Being in this musical made me very aware of a Bible story that I had not been familiar with before. And it also made me very aware of the great strength of God and His readiness and willingness to use his power to protect His faithful people.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego
The three Jewish boys in the story, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego, had been captured into slavery. While enslaved, they never went against their upbringing and their faith in God. Because of this steadfastness to God, the boys absolutely refused to listen to King Nebuchadnezzar’s demands.
The king had requirements for them to eat certain foods, which were not permitted by Jewish law, that they would not follow and he wanted them to bow down to a golden idol he had built when they heard the sound of all kinds of music. True to their character and Jewish heritage, they would not under any circumstances kneel before the King’s statue. Once they were caught being insubordinate, the King angrily demanded that they kneel before his image on command, to which they said absolutely not!
They told the king that they would not bow before anyone or anything except the Lord, their God. The not-so-desirable outcome of their behavior was to be thrown into a fiery furnace. The King watched this punishment with great joy, because no one had even been bold enough to deny the King or his desires.
In his mind, they deserved a slow tortuous death. But as he looked into the furnace, he was astonished when he noticed not three, but four people moving about freely among the flames. He was shocked and scared, because he knew that only the God of all the universe could do that. He was there walking among these faithful boys.
Upon seeing this sight, He immediately became a believer! He exclaimed – Praise be to the God of Shadrach. Meshach, and Abendego! After that, he released them from the furnace immediately.
With Us Today
For today, we should say –Â Praise be to the God of __________(insert your name here!). What fiery furnaces has God walked through with you?
I know that we are not confronted daily with rulers telling us to bow down to them, nor are we confronted with having to walk through literal fiery furnaces. However, we are confronted with decisions that have the power to either break us and lead us into sin, or give us the opportunity to trust and move forward through faith into service of God.
My desire for today is to know that God walks through all the fires and storms of life right beside you. If you don’t see or feel that, then maybe you need to pay closer attention to His presence all around you. And remember, never bow to any other authority or ruler. There is only one true God who deserves your reverence and praise. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on Him and only ever give Him the praise that He deserves!
God Bless!
A Moment To Praise 8.24.20 in Scripture
Here’s the Bible story to read for yourself.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%203:8-25&version=NIV
A Moment To Praise 8.24.20 in Song
Once you read that, here is a beautiful song describing how there is always another one in the fire with you!
Have a great day!
