MU devotion – Wednesday 1st of April

One of the readings set for today is from Daniel (3. 13-28) and it tells the story of the three Jews who were thrown bound into the fire because they refused to bow down and worship the golden statue of Nebuchadnezzar. While they were in the fiery furnace Nebuchadnezzar observed four men unbound walking in the middle of the fire. At the end when the three men are released unharmed from the fire, the king said – ‘Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him.’

These three men show us that no matter how tough our lives get, we are not alone. We may feel lost and isolated at the moment, but we can be inspired by Nebuchadnezzar’s words – those who trust in God will be delivered. As we know God sent not just an angel but came to dwell among us in the person of Jesus. Jesus who walks alongside us in every trial of life. Jesus who felt the despair of isolation, in the Garden of Gethsemane and when he hung on the cross, knows what we are going through. This is a great source and comfort for us all – we are not in this alone. Jesus walks beside us, sharing, protecting and delivering us. In our gratitude we may, like the three, feel moved to sing praises to our God who saves us from despair and destruction.

The Song of the Three (Song of the Three 29–34)

1 Bless the Lord, the God of our forebears:
sing his praise and exalt him forever.

2 Bless his holy and glorious name:
sing his praise and exalt him forever.

3 Bless him in his holy and glorious temple:
sing his praise and exalt him forever.

4 Bless him who beholds the depths:
sing his praise and exalt him forever.

5 Bless him who sits between the cherubim:
sing his praise and exalt him forever.

6 Bless him on the throne of his kingdom:
sing his praise and exalt him forever.

7 Bless him in the heights of heaven:
sing his praise and exalt him forever.

Bless the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit:
sing his praise and exalt him forever.

Loving Lord, we thank you that you walk alongside us as we face the trials and tribulations of life. Help us to hold onto our trust in you over the coming weeks and months until we are released from our furnace of isolation. Be with those who are in the front line of the pandemic, those affected, their relatives and the staff who care for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Sent with all my love and prayers, Revd. Sandra