“Then He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart….” Luke 18:1
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen”
Pray with: www.ifapray.org
Visit this week’s messages at: www.givehim15.com
“Without God there is no virtue because there is no prompting of the conscience…without God there is a coarsening of the society; without God democracy will not and cannot long endure…If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” Ronald Reagan
“The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.” – John F. Kennedy …from his Inaugural address, and:
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” (Today, and always, we pray for America!)
“The secret strength of a nation is found in the faith that abides in the hearts and homes of the country.” Billy Graham
“For my own part, I sincerely esteem it [the Constitution] a system which without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interests.” – Alexander Hamilton (1787 after the Constitutional Convention)
“I therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessing on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning…” – Ben Franklin
“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here.” – Patrick Henry
“This is all the inheritance I can give my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.” – Patrick Henry (Last Will and Testament)
Surrendering to God’s will, by the Holy Spirit’s leading, listening for His voice, as on the Word you’re feeding… will bring you into pastures meant specifically for you. They are “green, beside still waters,” for Psalm 23 is true. The Lord God who created you knows how to lead you best. Surrender to His Lordship, through which you’ll be most blessed.
P. A. Oltrogge
“The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—” Acts 10:36
“When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, ‘Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?’” Mark 8:34-36
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV
“But Jesus answered them, saying, ‘The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” John 12:23-26
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Romans 8:14-15
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.” Psalm 34:7-9
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Artist’s depiction/Pixabay
You may be blessed by “The Power of Peace,” a recent message given by Stephanie Pitkin. Click on “Watch Online” for the message, which is currently found at: lschurch.tv
Jesus is known as, and called, “the Lion of the tribe of Judah;” and Proverbs says that the righteous are “bold as a lion.”
But a favorite thought of mine about Jesus, our Savior, is that He is our Good Shepherd–the loving Lord of Zion.
It’s a comfort to contemplate being His lamb– He makes us to lie down in pastures that are green…
and then to follow His leading beside the still waters– These words describe a peaceful, contented scene.
Yes, Jesus is God’s great, victorious Son–“a Lion!” He courageously said and did what His Father decreed.
Yet He said that He was “gentle and lowly in heart”– just the kind of attribute a caring shepherd would need.
But if, at any time, His lambs should come under attack, that gentleness is intertwined with His rescuing that’s bold.
He is ever lion-hearted in watching over His flock, and towards drawing more loved, lost sheep into His fold.
P. A. Oltrogge
postscript:
Jesus, it’s also true, was, Himself, the Lamb of God, fulfilling dual roles. He’s Shepherd of the sheep, yet became the sinless sacrificial Lamb appointed, to make the vital payment to save men’s souls.
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“But one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.’ And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” Revelation 5:5-6
“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1
“Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion! Declare His deeds among the people.” Psalm 9:11
“Blessed be the Lord out of Zion, Who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 135:21
“Behold, I lay in Zion, A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” from 1 Peter 2:6
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters the flock. He flees because he is a hired hand and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it back. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it back. This commandment I received from My Father.” John 10:11-18 NASB
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:27-30
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 KJV
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Psalm 32:8
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” Psalm 23
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Jesus, our Advocate with the Father:
“Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:34
“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1
“…by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:22-25
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“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! TheLamb ofGod who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
“He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” John 12:48-50
“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
The first Passover was held in Egypt as the death angel stalked the land. This year’s Passover was held in Israel as deadly missiles rained down from the skies in yet another demonstration of the demonic hatred directed toward God’s Chosen People. We are helping widows and orphans, those who are still homeless from both the north and south, wounded IDF soldiers, families of the hostages, terrified and impoverished Holocaust survivors, and so much more. We must raise $130,000 for these urgently needed outreaches. So far 377 friends have given $37,028, so we still need $92,972. Please send your most generous gift today and share this with everyone you know.
Your Friends of Zion Center in Jerusalem is a bright light of Christian love in action. Together we are having a powerful impact on the Jewish people at a time when they are suffering and isolated. Together we are telling them—and more importantly, showing them—that they are not alone in this hour of crisis. Together we are answering the command of God, “Comfort ye My people.”
Everything we are seeing in the news is part of prophecy. And God is calling us to take a stand like Esther of old to deliver His Chosen People. The Jerusalem Prayer Team is doing everything we can to speak out on behalf of Israel, to pray for God to turn the hearts of our nation back toward Israel, and to meet the most urgent needs of the suffering Jewish people. We must not fail to answer God’s call. We must act now.
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:40
…This is being posted since Passover begins this evening…
“Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.” Exodus 13:20-22
“And with a pillar of cloud Thou didst lead them by day and with a pillar of fire by night to light for them the way in which they were to go.” Nehemiah 9:12
Moses, a Hebrew by birth, was called by God to lead His Hebrew people out–from the ancient land of Egypt to a prayed-for promised land route. Through his obedience and God’s powerful hand, their burdened lives as slaves…came to be changed forever because the good Lord hears and saves.
God had heard their desperate cries–and had seen the severe oppression. After many God-sent plagues, Pharaoh finally made his concession. So hardhearted had he been, that it had taken a very mighty blow, to his own and all Egyptian families, before he would let God’s people go.
Many pestilences had been tried–including frogs and boils on man and beast–hail, insects, darkness, and finally, death of firstborns of the greatest man’s home to the least. That was the deciding plague, which caused the barrier to the Hebrews’ freedom to be broken–while they, in Goshen, were spared, for blood on their doorposts had “spoken.”
Yes, blood from an unblemished lamb on each lintel and doorpost was spread. This proclaimed that their lives should be preserved because of a lamb that had bled. They had shared the first Passover meal–a feast remembered to this day, which points to God’s sacrificial lamb in Christ–now the Good Shepherd who leads our way.
After the Passover, God guided His people with a pillar of cloud in their sight. And for gains through night-time travel, He led by a pillar of fire for needed light. Quick to regret, Pharaoh pursued the former captives to the brink of the great Red Sea; but the angel of God and God’s pillar of cloud kept the Hebrews secure and free.
This protection and time were needed, for Moses to stretch forth his hand. The Lord swept back the sea with a wind all night, creating, for the Hebrews, dry land. God’s people then made their way safely, with walls of water on each side. They followed the leadership of Moses, casting any fears they might have had aside.
God brought Pharaoh’s army into confusion. Then the Lord gave Moses the instruction–to stretch forth his hand again, which made way for the pursuers’ destruction. From out of the pillar of cloud, God caused the Egyptian’s chariot wheels to sway. The waters turned back and drowned them all, giving the Hebrews victory that day.
Protection and guidance were provided back then through God’s pillar of cloud and fire. Therefore, let’s seek the same Lord of those ancient days, who calls us to a life that’s higher. Today a “promised land” is yours through the leading of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Abundant life now and an eternal home with God are freely offered to everyone.
P. A. Oltrogge
(Based on the Old Testament account in the book of Exodus)
New Testament references:
“…For, indeed, Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29 NKJV
“And Peter said to them ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38
Words of Jesus:
“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” John 10:10
“And while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.’” Matthew 26:26-28
“These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He saiid, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee, even as Thou gavest Him authority over all mankind, that to all whom Thou hast given Him, He may give eternal life. And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.'” John 17: 1-3
“’Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.’” John 14:1-7
I believe you, God, for every good and perfect gift; for doubting that would cause me to be adrift on the devil’s sea of unbelief, with its dangerous waters and treacherous reef. Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. I believe Your Word and reject any fright. You’ve promised to shepherd me each new day– With Your rod and Your staff, You’ll lead the way. You’re the Light of the World, I can’t go wrong– I can do all things in Him Who makes me strong. Strong I am, and it’s easy to receive– for You have said, just pray and believe. Your help is sure, and you’ve said I can command victory over the enemy by Your mighty hand!
P. A. Oltrogge
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47
“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“The Lord is my shepherd…He leads me…He guides me…Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me…Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life….” (from Psalm 23)
“And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:18-20
“Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
“I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.” Mark 11:24
See also the following regarding God’s mighty hand:
Jesus told His disciples to go ahead of Him to the other side of the sea.
He had sent the crowds away and, for a time of prayer, He needed to be free.
When Jesus came walking upon the water in the fourth watch of the night,
the disciples, in their boat, thought they were seeing a ghost and cried out in fright.
They had already been disturbed that night, having been battered by waves—
the wind was contrary. Here, we’ll see another instance where “Jesus saves!”
Jesus told them to take courage—that it was Him and that there was nothing to fear.
Some translations of this account say that He told them to be of good cheer!
Having witnessed the Lord’s miracles, Peter wanted to be a disciple of faith, as Jesus had taught,
and join the Lord on the water. Stepping out of the boat, he actually walked on the sea, but then became distraught.
Initially, his confidence had been high, so when the Lord told him to come, he boldly went ahead.
The Bible indicates, though, that he took his eyes off of Jesus by noticing the wind, instead.
It says that he “saw” the wind, meaning that it was whipping up the water to a greater degree.
Looking away from Jesus, the Fearless One, even for just that moment, caused Peter’s courage to flee.
Jesus reached out quickly and rescued Peter, but questioned him as to why he had succumbed to doubt.
As they entered the boat, the wind stopped; and the disciples, in awe, worshiped the Lord as they continued on their route.
We, too, today, must ever look to Jesus, remembering His great love for us and the mighty miracles that He can perform.
We have testimonies today—as well as those told in the Bible—of His ability to bring us out, in victory, through any kind of storm.
P. A. Oltrogge
(From Matthew 14:22-32)
Read or view an interesting message today on translation/meanings of words, and another instance when Jesus and the disciples were out on the water at: http://www.givehim15.com
Excellent service, and report from Israel, yesterday at: http://www.emic.org
“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” Proverbs 4:18 NASB
In the last days, perilous times will come—the New Testament has warned. Yet those words, by nonbelievers, have been ignored or scorned.
The increase of catastrophic news events and evil deeds inflicted should be convincing to men and women of what the Bible has predicted.
Then, there’s the focus on Israel, such a small piece of land; yet it’s dear to the heart of God and is sustained by His mighty hand.
As believers, we can “look up,” for our redemption draws nigh. The same resurrected Lord Jesus is coming back, who ascended into the sky.
P. A. Oltrogge
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-14 NKJV
“But know this, that in the last days, perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people, turn away!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” Matthew 24:6-8 NKJV
“Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children.” Isaiah 66:8 NIV Israel recognized on May 14, 1948
“And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed.” 2 Samuel 7:10 NIV
“And I will bring my people Israel back from exile.” Amos 9:14 NIV
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.” Psalm 125:2 NKJV
“And as they heard these things, he (Jesus) added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, ‘Occupy till I come.’” …from Luke 19:11-13 KJV
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:25-28 KJV
“And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.” Luke 24:50-53 NKJV
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am there you may be also.” John 14:3 NKJV
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’” Acts 1:8-11 NKJV
Though we don’t know the exact timing of future events, we continue, in the meantime, to pray for the various situations in this world and share with others about Jesus, our Savior, and the assurance we have through Him….
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 KJV
…this Bible account is a powerful one to recall, about our very present help in trouble….and I’d like to point out a fortifying devotional on this topic today–scroll down to “Devotional,” titled “Bring Glory to God” at http://www.jerrysavelle.org
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Troubles come to all of us, trials are an unsolicited part of life;
but there is One who is a very present help in the midst of any kind of strife.
He’s not only present, but He’s VERY present amidst things which can be dire–
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, remember, weren’t burned though engulfed by fire. __________
The men had refused to worship the gold idol, as King Nebuchadnezzar had decreed–
Such a decree to these men of faith was something they simply wouldn’t heed.
Anyone who disobeyed would be cast into a fiery furnace that had been stoked very hot–
At the sound of the horn, flute, harp, or lyre, all were to bow down, but these three men would not. __________
Called before the king, he gave them another chance to obey, but they bravely made it clear…
that their God could deliver them; yet if not, they served Him only and had nothing to fear.
Then, thrown into the furnace, divine intervention left them without even the smell of fire–
Their hair wasn’t singed, nor their clothes affected, because no other “god” was higher. __________
In the midst of the fiery furnace, a fourth “Man” had appeared, among the other three.
His appearance was “like the Son of God;” and He’d loosed them and had set the men free.
Though they’d initially been bound together, Nebuchadnezzar saw them unhurt and walking separately around–
This miraculous event became proof to him that there was no God but theirs to be found. __________
God has promised to be our sure refuge, whom we can run to for shelter from any storm–
If the “winds” of life become threatening or cold, under His wings, we’ll be protected and warm.
He’s the strength upon which we’ve come to depend; and we’re blessed by the love He supplies.
Keep looking to Jesus, your very present help. In every circumstance, that will prove to be wise.
P. A. Oltrogge
(The poetic account is derived from Daniel 3)
…trials sometimes come, but confidence in God’s love and care for us (Psalm 91) and the presence of His Holy Spirit within strengthen those who believe….
Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 (and through 26)
Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:1-4
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB, Ryrie Study Bible)
