The stories from the book of Daniel we have heard this week have been so vivid, appealing to our sense of imagination and wonder. Monday we heard the story of Suzanna, a Hebrew wife who is falsely accused of a crime. Today, we hear the wonderful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, of how they put their faith into action. These men had confidence in God that went beyond their delivery from the fiery furnace. When they faced the situation of worshipping an idol or testifying to their their fidelity to God, they were not persuaded by the apparent consequence of that decision. They seem indifferent as to whether or not God would save them from the fires of the furnace. These young men believed that God had the power to save them, but that it was God’s choice as to whether he would save them or not. These young men followed God and they believed in him because he is God and because of the reality of who he is. What a remarkable faith these men had!
King Nebuchadnezzar thought of himself in god-like terms, asking “Who is the God who can deliver you out of my hands?” The king was shocked at the audacity of anyone who could imagine himself more powerful than he is. King Nebuchadnezzar initially reacts with rage. We might reflect upon how we ourselves can react with rage and anger to God’s will and to his presence in our own lives when things do not go our way or when we have to be obedient to the will of God.
Let us pray today that God may save us from the blindness we may have in failing to recognize the works of God in our midst. May God open our eyes to his mighty works as they are present in our day-to-day reality. May each of us recognize and accept God's answers to our questions about who he is. And may we respond with humility and gratitude.
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