TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?… Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Daniel 3:24-25
Read: Daniel 3:17-27
Listen: Daniel 3
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego thrown in the furnace is a full-blown drama that includes good and bad characters, a supernatural miracle and a happy ending. Pastor Jeff Manion believes Daniel wrote it to be read aloud repeatedly and remembered not for the great drama but for what it reveals about God’s character and teaches about faith in difficult circumstances.
Before knowing the outcome of their situation, these three men believe God has the power to rescue them because of Israel’s history. God had rescued his people by sending plagues, parting the sea and destroying whole armies. This time, God rescues them in an unimaginable way. God shows up physically in the fire, protects them from the flames and shows King Nebuchadnezzar who has the power. God proves to future generations that God is all-powerful and worthy of their faith.
When we’re in impossible situations—it may feel like God isn’t in it with us. But God is always involved in ways we can’t imagine or even see. Anticipate God will meet you in the furnace when you’re trying to rebuild trust, working through a financial storm or your heart is simply broken. God may not rescue us at the moment but is all about rescuing us for eternity.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Listen to the worship song, “Hope of Ages,” and focus on the lyrics: “The gospel of Jesus, It’s the hope of the ages, Burning brighter and brighter, And standing forever. “ If you have been rescued from sin by what Jesus did for you on the cross, thank God for this miracle. If you have questions about what it means to be rescued, let’s talk. Email us at btw@adabible.org.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
MICAH 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
