Through the fire

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you [Isaiah 43:2].

Two friends have sent me this scripture, Lorrie particularly for my upcoming chemotherapy. While I was thanking God the other day for this promise, He reminded me of Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace into which Daniel's friends had been cast. As I was reading Daniel 3, I thought how God does so wonderfully more than I would ever ask--I would have been happy to escape the fire singed, sooty, and stinky, but He is so much more gracious: And the satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king's high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them [Daniel 3:27]. And, while the friends were in the midst of the furnace, a 'fourth man' (Whom I believe is the pre-incarnate Christ), was right there with them. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me [Psalm 23:4].

But, wait! God had more to show me. (I love it when he takes scripture that you think you know really well, and He still shows you something new...) As I was thanking Him that the men were not damaged at all by he fire, He reminded me that they were tied up when they had been thrown in! But these three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, fell into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire still tied up [v. 23]. They were BETTER when they came out than when they were cast in--Nebechandnezzar said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm . . . ." [v. 25].

Who is the King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty [Psalm 24:8].
HALLELUJAH!