April 10, 2019 Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent-C

Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95

Daniel 3:52-56

John 8:31-42

“But even is he will not, know, O King, that we will not serve your god…” Dan. 3:18

Lord, the extraordinary faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is almost beyond belief.  How could these three young men, faced with the horror of a white-hot furnace, refuse to cooperate with the king and adore his god?  They were so certain that they were safe in the hands of their God that they stood bravely before the king who held their lives in his hands. This courage and trust could not only be from them and their human spirit.  It had to be supported by the gift of courage from the Holy Spirit of God.  They were ready to stand firm regardless of the outcome of their trial in the furnace.  But an angel of God came to their rescue and delivered them from the burning flames by walking in the flames with them.   Lord, today I, and all Christians are commanded to conform to the gods of the world by the world.  The devil, full of lies, assures us that it’s not so bad to sin a little bit.   My flesh is weak and I can give in to temptation so easily.  Give me the faith and the courage of the three young men.  Amen