Read: Daniel 3:19-30
The fourth [man] is like a son of the gods. (v. 25)
At the end of A Tale of Two Cities, a young woman faces execution. At her side is Charles Darnay, who goes to the guillotine in a friend’s place. When she learns of Darnay’s sacrifice, she says, “I mind nothing while I hold your hand.” Even death can be tolerable so long as we’re not alone.
Faced with certain death, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego told Nebuchadnezzar they wouldn’t worship his idol. Why? Because “Our God . . . is able to deliver us” (v. 17). Nebuchadnezzar responded by throwing them into a fiery furnace. But in the furnace, they weren’t alone.
Sometimes this world feels like a fiery furnace. When I face a new season of life marked by uncertainty or loss, a new challenge with the possibility of public failure, or hostility to my witness and God’s work in the world, it’s so reassuring to remember I’m not alone.
Paul reminds us, “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God . . . interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Rom. 8:34-35).
Jesus took his place alongside us in the furnace of this fallen world. He took our place at the cross. He took his rightful place at the right hand of the Father. He settled the trial against us in heaven. He’s with us in every trial on earth. Jesus is with you in the furnace.
As you pray, remember that you face no earthly trial alone.
About the Author
Ben Van Arragon is the Minister of Worship and Leadership at Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He preaches and teaches the Bible in church, online, and anywhere else he has the opportunity.
