No Smell of Smoke

 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.
But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king; that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”     Daniel 3:16-18

Standing in the smoky stench of the king’s smoldering denial of the Lord; three faithful servants of God simply said to the king:  “If a miracle occurs to save us … GREAT!  But, miracle or not, our God is our deliverer, our Lord is always with us, be it the flames.  Nor do we worship your gold, we bow to God alone.” 

Then, after throwing them into the furnace, the kings men looked in and could see the three walking around!  Then, they yelled: “Look! … four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed,” … yes, four!  Then, they walked out of the fire, not bound by anyone, not harmed … no hair singed nor clothing scorched, … in fact, “no smell of fire on them”—no smell of smoke!

Hallelujah!

The issue isn’t what you ask for, expect, or want.  It is by the sovereign promises of God, by His grace and mercy our Lord responds to those who serve Him.  A servant knows, without a doubt, “the God we serve is able to save us.”  It is a matter of complete humility to God that one receives complete deliverance, provision.  Jesus leads you out of daily fires and the eternal furnace, and you are un-scorched – without the smell of smoke.

In his service, no smell of smoke,  

Owen <><