In the fire with God! (ok, maybe it was an angel, but still)

From our September 12, 2009 Daily Reading

Daniel 3, 4
Psalm 81
Revelation 17

SOAP - In the fire with God! (ok, maybe it was an angel but still)

Scripture: Daniel 3:25
He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

Observation
For some reason this section of scripture is almost funny to me, or at least really uplifting. I like how King Nebuchadnezzar (King N) leaps to his feet in amazement. He seems so excited. And I love the thought of God being there in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Or at least an angel or something... hmm... is it supposed to be God that's in the fire? I think it's says an angel. Anyway, the trust in the Lord and determination to honor the Lord by not worshipping the golden image is wonderful. this scripture just makes me smile. :-)

Application
Honestly, I can't pick out a direct application. But I hope that at times in life when I feel like I'm being thrown into the flames, I'll trust God. And I hope my actions will reflect the fact that He is right there beside me, walking around in the fire. And maybe someone that sees what's going with me and sees God helping me, will leap to their feet and say "yay God!".

Prayer
Dear Lord please I pray, hear my prayer...
Bless the reading of your word. Lord be with us all as we study your word, taking a step further in relationship with you. Open our minds and hearts to receive the blessing of reading your word and all that we can learn from it. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to learn and to grow and to be your servants. Amen.

Some general thoughts on the scripture:

In Daniel...

1 - Chapter two ended with King N laying at Daniel's feet saying that God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, but now beginning chapter 3 he has apparently forgotten and decides to build a big gold statue to worhip... oops! Hmm... wonder how often I do that to God in my life.

2 - Chapters 1 and 2 didn't show much about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, other than them being with Daniel. Here we see them stand up for God themselves by refusing to worship the golden image. Way to go guys! I'm impressed.

3 - Is chapter 4 a letter? It's a bit odd. Sometimes it sounds like King N writing about that past, sometimes the present, and sometimes it sounds like someone else is writing.

4 - The tree in his dream sounds really cool! :-)

5 - Sounds like he's recognized God as the Most High God again. We'll see if he forgets again...

In Psalms...

6 - Talks about Israel not obeying God. Nice match for the scripture about King N not obeying God.

In Revelation...

7 - Typical weird stuff from Revelation. 17:6 is weird with the prostitute being drunk on the blood of the saints. Crazy stuff!