LET NOT FEAR MAKE YOU A SLAVE

Readings: Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25,28, Daniel 3:52-56, John 8:31-42

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to answer you. If so, the God we serve can deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18)

We are once more given the moving story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three teenagers who disobeyed the king’s orders and chose life over death because they had a strong faith in God. The Jews openly challenge Jesus in the text from our Gospel. The Jews, unaware that death was not the end but rather the start of a better life, were set on killing Jesus, just as Nebuchadnezzar was set on killing the boys. The three Hebrew lads were the King’s slaves when they went into the fire, but upon their return from the blazing furnace, the King elevated them to the status of gods. On the cross, Jesus gladly accepted death, yet as He emerged from the flames of death, He shone brilliantly. Put another way, you could become a star at what you most fear. This leads us to today’s lessons:

1. Trials Are a Part of Life, Just Like Sunshine and Rain: Can you picture a world without trials—that is, without obstacles, problems, riddles, nightmares, etc.? We all subconsciously hope for a life free from problems, but it’s not real. Furthermore, God won’t be so cruel as to grant it to us. A person who has never experienced bitter flavors will never be able to appreciate sweetness. We need to be grateful for the Nebuchadnezzars in our lives; they make things difficult, keep us alert, and encourage us to strengthen our spiritual muscles. Many people “punish” themselves at the gym in order to stay in shape. God uses trials as a means of sending us to the spiritual gym so that we won’t get spiritual illnesses. Untested faith is just faith that hasn’t been proven.
2. Faith Is Like Gold When Put to the Test by Fire: I once read about a Muslim who yelled, “Jesus blood!” The pilot declared that the occupants of the aircraft should brace themselves for an accident. Everyone began reciting their final prayers. It was then that they saw the Muslim man adoring Jesus. You find out what you really believe in throughout a trial. You’re never sure what your values are until you’re tempted. Tests such as those of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego enable us to evaluate our relationship with God. Mention the fights you have fought and prevailed in instead of boasting about your faith.
3. Trials Are Not For Us Alone: It would have taken an eternity to convert Nebuchadnezzar if Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had tried to preach to him and all the people in whose realm they were imprisoned. It was automatic because of the burning furnace experience. You are not alone in what you are going through right now. God will use today’s adversaries to prove to you how much He defends you. Others will find solace in your narrative of tenacity. Even if you are in pain right now, millions of people won’t have to go through this misery thanks to you. After Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s miraculous liberation, many Israelite captives who had been afraid to practice their faith in Babylon had the courage to worship God once more.
4. On your youth, remember God (Ecclesiastes 12:1): Even though Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were youths, their extraordinary bravery and unwavering faith give them the appearance of elderly men. They were prepared to die even if God did not save them because they had a mature faith. Many adults today still function at the childlike level of faith, saying things like, “God, if you do it for me, I will serve you,” and have not yet reached the stage of mature faith. I’ll leave you, stop chatting to you, and stop following your instructions if you don’t comply. The development of a mature religion requires time. You must thus begin right away.
5. Fear is Normal but Fear Is Slavery (Self-Imprisonment)? Fear is a common emotion for all people, including Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The issue arises when we draw judgments or choose courses of action out of fear. A fear that rides like a slave. Even if the slave believes the master is more powerful than he is, he still worships the master despite being stronger than him. We give in to sin because we fear losing something important in life—or perhaps death. Even though we know it’s bad, we continue to do it. Like enslaved people who despise their lord but melt in his presence, we are. Jesus stated, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples,” in today’s gospel text. However, sin makes a person a slave to sin. (John 8:31–34). Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we must be prepared to confront our fears in order to conquer sin. Let me burn in the furnace and die if stopping this sin (naming your sins) will result in my death. God becomes the fourth man in the furnace at this point.
6. Fatherhood Is Not Just Based on Biology: In today’s Gospel narrative, Jesus got into a fight with the Jews because, despite their claims to be Abraham’s offspring, they were not acting in an Abrahamic manner. Even though your biological parents are saints, their prayers won’t guarantee you a spot in paradise if you act badly.

Let’s pray: Almighty, eternal God, please do not let my love of life make me a slave to sin. via Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Indeed.