In just 10 verses of Deuteronomy — albeit mixed and skipping verses — the author tells us this story of KingNebuchadnezzar and the attempt to kill the mightily faithful three: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
The king tried to force the trio to worship his idolatrous gods; they resoundingly said “No!” They proclaimed that their God would save them; but even if God didn’t save them, they would never serve the king’s gods or worship his golden statue.
King did not like. Oh no!
Throw them into the furnace, was his reaction, and turn the heat up seven times the usual.
And then it happened.
The king saw not three, but four; and the newcomer was, in the king’s own words, one who looked like a son of God.
And instantly the king saw and believed!
+ And in contrast to this story from Deuteronomy, Jesus is testifying as the Son of God, and sharing the word that he was and that came forth from his mouth.
And he spoke to those who believed in him.
Really?
Weren’t they just the ones who were trying to kill him?
And weren’t they there arguing with Jesus and listening, but not really hearing at all?
And as they go back and forth with Jesus about the Father, God, Abraham, and the word that is Jesus, did they really understand?
As Jesus himself said to them —
“But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you.”
This emphasis on the word, and the word coming from God, and this word delivering the truth that Jesus heard from his Father, is precisely what we need to hear.
Every word that comes forth from the mouth of Jesus — the Gospel word — is what will also set us free, and lead us to the truth that is a God that will give us life, love, freedom, and blessedness.
And so we hear and hopefully listen with mind, heart, and soul!
And we taste the meaning of the Gospel verse today —
“Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.”
