Readings: Daniel 3:14-20,24-25,28, John 8:31-42
“O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18)
- At this point in our Gospel passage, it is no longer a secret that the Jews were plotting to kill Jesus. Why were they determined to eliminate Jesus? It is the same reason King Nebuchadnezzar wants to eliminate Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in today’s first reading. Our world doesn’t like good people especially when they are bold enough to stand for truth, righteousness and justice.
- Jesus said to his persecutors: “If God were your Father, you would love me.” (John 8:42). The world hates us because we are children of God and we do not belong to the world. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego incurred the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar because they would not serve his idols and his golden image.
- Jesus said: “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples … (but) … everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” (John 8:31&34). Just as Nebuchadnezzar succeeded in making the people worship the idols out of fear of losing their lives, many today are “worshipping” all kinds of idols to make ends meet. They have become slaves to sin because they think they have no other means of putting food on the table.
- Some Christians do all kinds of evil deeds in the name of “trying to make ends meet.” We bow to the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar when we tell lies, take what is not ours, cheat people, deny their rights, and so on. Some even go into ritual killings, kidnapping, consulting witch doctors, etc (the list is endless).
- Today’s First Reading reminds us of the story of Susanna and the two wicked judges. They threatened her with death but she insisted on respecting her body as God’s Temple. She preferred to die rather than face eternal judgement by breaking her marital vows. Susanna hoped in God who never fails his children. In the end, God showed up for her through Daniel.
- Until you are ready to die rather than sin, your faith is not yet mature. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego displayed mature faith in God. They said, “even if God decides not to save us, we would rather burn in the fire than worship your gods.” Not many Christians can take the stand of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Not many of us can say that even if God does not answer our prayers, we would never bow to idols.
- The faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego can be summed up in these verses: “Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails, and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and makes me tread upon the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
- Dear friend, do not be afraid of what anyone will do to you. As God showed up for Susanna and the three Hebrew boys, God will show up for you. Jesus said: “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33). Do not fear those who can kill you physically (the unjust judges and Nebuchadnezzars of our time), “rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28). Trust God; He will show up as the fourth man in the fire.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen our hope in your saving power. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of the 5th week of Lent, Liturgical Colour: Violet. Bible Study: Daniel 3:14-20,24-25,28, John 8:31-42).*
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu