Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble to fall down and worship the statue that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire, and who is the god that will deliver you out of my hands?’”
NL Daily Devotion for Tuesday, December 1, 2020
by Daniel D. Maurer, Clergy Stuff
I must admit, this passage from Daniel is one of my favorites from the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament). And it’s not just because it’s from the book that is my namesake (although Daniel is a really cool name, I gotta say).
This story was meant as inspiration for those coming under persecution for their beliefs. Although I do believe that some persecution exists today for believers, it’s nothing like that of ancient times. Certainly, some people like to make out that we cannot say Merry Christmas anymore and that the “ban” on the phrase is somehow “persecution.” Take it as you will. However, knowing what I do from history, that’s nothing like the past.
Anyway, the three men get thrown into the hot furnace, but they manage to survive on account of their convictions. They may have fried to a crisp, but they did not. And, in fact, they survived with style! All the musical instruments (a bit of Bible humor, if you’re not catching it) could not announce the destruction of the men. They still went in the fire willingly, because they believed what they believed, because that’s who they were.
If you’d like to see a cool video that my family happened to make for our church, check this out! It’s a re-telling of this story.
This time of year, it’s good to rethink what you believe in, what you’re willing to die for. Thoughts?
