Scripture Daily

Context No. 3589 of 4322 · Daniel (Greek)

Context · Reflection

Daniel (Greek) 3:40-45: in context

40like the burnt offerings of rams and bullocks, and like ten thousands of fat lambs. So let our sacrifice be in your sight this day, that we may wholly go after you, for they shall not be ashamed who put their trust in you. 41And now we follow you with all our heart. We fear you, and seek your face. 42Put us not to shame; but deal with us after your kindness, and according to the multitude of your mercy. 43Deliver us also according to your marvelous works, and give glory to your name, O Lord. Let all those who harm your servants be confounded. 44Let them be ashamed of all their power and might, and let their strength be broken. 45Let them know that you are the Lord, the only God, and glorious over the whole world.”

From within the fiery furnace, Azariah prays a prayer of remarkable faith and humility. With the temple destroyed and no sacrifice possible, he offers what he still can: let our sacrifice be a contrite heart and a humble spirit; we follow you now with all our heart, we fear you and seek your face.

When outward sacrifices are impossible, God still receives the offering of a humble, wholehearted heart. And Azariah appeals not to their own worthiness but to God's mercy: deal with us according to your kindness, and according to the abundance of your mercy; do not put us to shame. Even in the flames, he trusts God's mercy and asks above all that God's name be glorified. There is a model here of prayer in the fire, offering God our very selves when we have nothing else to give, appealing to his mercy rather than our merit, and desiring most of all that he be glorified. A broken and humble heart is a sacrifice God never despises, even in a furnace.

When I am in the fire and have nothing else to offer, do I give God a humble, wholehearted heart, appealing to his mercy rather than my merit, and desiring his glory?

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