Suggested Readings: Psalm 63:1-8, Daniel 3:19-30, Revelation 2:8-11
Today’s scripture passages remind us of God’s deliverance and can help us as we reflect and prepare for the coming of Easter.
The psalmist makes a passionate statement about seeking God wholeheartedly and in so doing, being reminded of God’s faithfulness in numerous ways. Though I don’t have the same experience of the psalmist of being in a dry and parched land with no water, I can relate to the idea of being in a time of civil drought as our nation and our world struggle with discord and war. Yet, in the midst of this, I too see God in God’s sanctuary and behold God’s power and glory in the face of those providing aid to those in war-torn places, those working to eliminate poverty and hunger around the world, and even those who look in on their neighbors to make sure they’re okay. If we wholeheartedly seek God, we will find God!
The passage in Daniel is likely familiar to those of us who grew up going to Vacation Bible School every summer. It tells of God’s deliverance of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, the Hebrew names of those more commonly known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, from the fiery furnace after they refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. We may not face anything as drastic as being thrown into a fiery furnace, but it is great to know that the God who protected them is looking out for us as well!
Finally, in the passage in Revelation, John reminds us in His word to the angel of the church at Smyrna that even in our deepest despair, even to the point of death; God is victorious and can deliver us.
During this Lenten season, we welcome God’s deliverance as echoed in the familiar Easter refrain “Christ has died; Christ has risen; Christ will come again." Thanks be to God!
Tim Stewart
