TODAY IN THE WORD

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Read: 2 Corinthians 9:1-7.
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TODAY IN THE WORD
Andrew Carnegie, legendary founder of U.S. Steel Company and one of the wealthiest Americans ever, was born in Scotland in 1835. He came to America with his impoverished parents in 1848 and worked for two years as a bobbin boy in a textile mill for $1.20 a week. Years later, after his phenomenal business success, Carnegie became a dedicated philanthropist. He gave some $350 million to various causes, including the establishment of public libraries and Carnegie-Mellon University.

While few if any modern-day believers can match the financial level of Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropy, we can approach our giving with the same enthusiasm Carnegie displayed. As Paul urged the Corinthians to finish the offering they had so enthusiastically agreed to give, he laid down several more foundational principles of grace-giving.

We have already established that believers should give as an act of loving response to God’s grace in Christ, not because of a legal requirement. We have also learned that the generosity of our giving is to be determined by our ability and our eagerness to give.

Today’s text makes clear two principles that up to now have been less clear. The first is what we might call proportionality (v. 6). The idea is that you can’t outgive God. He isn’t a debtor to anyone. This is the application of Galatians 6:7 to the financial realm.

We could call the second principle “spontaneous cheerfulness” (v. 7). Spontaneity in our giving does not mean we give willy-nilly. It is the opposite of compulsion, or giving because we feel forced to do so. If our giving is truly spontaneous, cheerfulness won’t be far behind. “Give till it hurts” may be a familiar bromide, but it doesn’t befit the child of God. If it hurts to give, God would rather we keep our money.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Spontaneous, cheerful giving also doesn’t mean we give our money to any and every cause with no thought of credibility.

Again, author Larry Burkett is helpful here. He reminds us that ministries which are worthy of our gifts display these biblical qualities: adherence to sound doctrine, ministry in the name of Jesus Christ, the practice of good financial management, dependence on God’s people for support, and lives changed for Christ through the ministry.

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Read: 2 Corinthians 9:8-15.
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TODAY IN THE WORD
According to the Tax Foundation, “Tax Freedom Day” for 1996 was May 7. In case you missed the celebration and need to be enlightened, Tax Freedom Day is the day on which it is calculated that the average American worker has finally earned enough money to pay all of his or her federal, state and local income taxes.

If this knowledge doesn’t make you feel like celebrating, you probably have a lot of company. For most of us, getting genuinely excited about taxes is a true “mission impossible.” Maybe that’s why the Bible doesn’t exhort us to laugh hilariously as we pay our taxes.

But when it comes to the giving we do to God’s work, there’s room for all kinds of joy. We observed earlier this month that giving is an exchange of value. God is not a tyrant who exacts dues from His people and returns nothing. As we finish up this month’s studies, we will see that giving is accompanied by staggering promises and benefits.

If we had nothing but today’s text, we would have a basketful of promises God makes to the generous giver. We can’t allow the excesses of the “prosperity gospel” crowd to make us back away from the clear teaching of Scripture.

The fact is that God promises to multiply both the seed and the harvest of the person who generously, cheerfully and faithfully invests in His work. Now if these incredible promises cause you to get out your calculator so you can figure out how to “beat the system,” you have just disqualified yourself from these blessings.
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Two exciting benefits of our gracious, generous giving are suggested in the closing verses of today’s text (vv. 12-14).

First and foremost, our giving can bring praise and glory to our Lord. Since that’s what we are supposed to be about anyway, it makes our giving a powerful part of our witness for Christ.

A second benefit is the bonding among Christians that occurs when genuine needs are met (v. 14). Those who benefit spiritually and materially from our gifts are motivated to pray for us, even if they don’t know our names. Missionaries could fill books with stories of believers in other countries who praise God daily for those who helped send them the Word of life.

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Read: Philippians 4:10-19.
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TODAY IN THE WORD
An act of kindness by a homeless man in her moment of need so impressed Flo Wheatley that she slipped a five-dollar bill into his hand. As she did, he said softly, “Don’t abandon me.”

Mrs. Wheatley couldn’t forget the man’s kindness or his plea. After seeing another homeless man wrapped in a blanket on a freezing night, she knew something had to be done to express her gratitude and to let the homeless know they were not forgotten. She made a sleeping bag out of old clothes and gave it to a homeless man. The project grew, and in 1994 the “My Brother’s Keeper Quilt Project” joyfully gave out 5괌 handmade sleeping bags.

People like Flo Wheatley have discovered that generous givers also benefit from the gifts they give. This is not just a trait of human nature. It’s a biblical principle that the apostle Paul declared in today’s text (v. 17).

Incredibly, God has so designed the ministry of giving that the giver is the primary beneficiary! There’s no mistaking Paul’s meaning here. The Philippian believers were among the apostle’s most generous and faithful supporters. Although there had been a period when they were unable to give, they had renewed their concern for Paul by sending him further gifts.

Paul was deeply appreciative. These verses constitute his “thank-you note” for their sacrificial gift. But he was also eager for the Philippians to know that by talking about their generosity, he wasn’t just posturing in the hopes of receiving more money from them.

How can giving benefit the giver? According to the world’s math, the more we give away the less we have. But we’ve already seen that God doesn’t operate according to worldly reckoning.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We hope this month’s studies have been interesting and challenging to you.

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Read: 1 Chronicles 29:1-9
Now, who is willing to consecrate himself today to the Lord? - 1 Chronicles 29:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Ten-time NBA All-Star David Robinson retired from professional basketball in 2003, but he's continued to “play hard” in another arena—education. Motivated by the love of Christ, he and his wife, Valerie, founded The Carver School for disadvantaged and at-risk children in inner city San Antonio. “We wanted to leave a legacy in San Antonio that would continue to positively influence people long after we were gone. Our vision was to give children an education that would prepare them for success not only in their work, but also in their relationships with their families and communities.”

King David's legacy of temple preparations also had a strong community element. The nation would eventually worship at the completed building, of course, but they were also given the opportunity to give toward the construction materials. After all, Solomon could not do the work alone. The people needed to put their wholehearted support behind it. More than promoting a building project, David was calling on the nation to remain faithful to God. In generosity, the king led the way by giving about 112 tons of gold and 262 tons of silver from his personal wealth (vv. 3-5). The location of Ophir is uncertain—east Africa, south Arabia, and India have been suggested—but in any case the “gold of Ophir” was apparently of the highest quality. David then urged the people to bring their freewill offerings: “Now, who is willing to consecrate himself today to the Lord?” The ideas of giving and consecration are linked in both the purpose of building a house of worship, and the attitude of thankfulness and praise (cf. 2 Cor. 9:7).

The leaders and all the people followed David's example, leading to renewed rejoicing (v. 9). In all, “passing the offering plate” brought in 187-plus tons of gold, 375 tons of silver, 675 tons of bronze, 3,750 tons of iron, and uncounted precious stones. Our hearts of true thanksgiving will be demonstrated through our generosity. Once again, the encouraging parallels to Moses and the tabernacle are unmistakable (see Ex. 36-37).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Is your church currently building, remodeling, or expanding? Where is God in the work being done? What lessons can be learned about this from the way David approached the project of building the temple? We encourage you to analyze the issues from a biblical and not merely utilitarian point of view. Raising money and putting up a building are not the only purposes or ultimate goals. Pray that this project and the decision-makers will please the Lord.

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Read: Colossians 1:15-23
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TODAY IN THE WORD
During the eighty-plus years it took to build the Washington National Cathedral in the District of Columbia, several general contractors were employed to complete the project. Although each of them had a different name, they shared one thing in common. Each saw the building under construction as a magnificent house of worship that would, by its size and complex beauty, glorify God and symbolize the Christian heritage of the American people.

Not all the workmen that were contracted to smear mortar or pound nails could verbalize that purpose for their labor. Most were simply doing their job. They were making a living. Their purpose was simply to accomplish what the general contractor had assigned them to do. And the Washington National Cathedral was finally completed just as the blueprints and plans dictated because the workers carried out their individual assignments.

Our passage today is a blueprint of sorts. In these several verses we see our Creator’s intention for the world and the church. God the Father is the architect. We do not see Him. He is invisible (v. 15), but we do know His plans, thanks to His “general contractor” Jesus Christ. Jesus has taken responsibility for accomplishing His Father’s intentions, beginning with creation and continuing through reconciliation and beyond. In Jesus there is a “foreman” in whom all that concerns the Father’s plans are realized.
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Evangelical Christians take the Bible seriously. What the Bible proclaims as true, we embrace. Have you ever noticed that hidden in the name “evangelical” is the word “angel”? Evangelicals believe in angels because the Bible is filled with references to them. During this month of daily studies, we will see how angels have been employed by God to accomplish His purposes.

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TODAY IN THE WORD
As amazing as it seems, George Frederick Handel wrote the entire sacred oratorio Messiah in only two weeks. His immortal masterpiece debuted in Ireland in 1742 and was performed in London a year later.

In attendance at that performance was King George II and his royal entourage. The king was overwhelmed with the majesty and power of the music that made the selected passages from the Bible come to life. As the choir and orchestra began the “Hallelujah Chorus,” King George spontaneously stood to his feet in emotional response. Taking their cue from His Majesty, the king’s attendants also rose, followed by the entire assemblage. All stood through the final “hallelujah.” To this day, it is customary for the audience to stand throughout the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Today’s passage provides a peek through the keyhole into the throne room of heaven, where a heavenly “Hallelujah Chorus” is the main order of business. The King of glory is seated on the throne. He is surrounded by four angelic creatures whose appearances are unlike anything we’ve ever seen. But it is not their unusual appearance that is most noteworthy, it is their activity. Ceaselessly, these angels declare their praise to God: “Day and night they never stop” (v. .

As we learned yesterday, angelic beings were created to fulfill God’s purposes that they alone could accomplish. One of those purposes is described here. Unencumbered by earthly tasks, angels can minister unto God continually. It’s also interesting to note that when these living creatures sing out their praise, the twenty-four elders fall on their faces and join the angelic melody. As King George’s decision to stand had a chain reaction effect on all the others in Westminster Abbey, so the angels’ adoration is magnified by the others around God’s throne.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Music is a powerful motivator in our lives. What music inspires you to think about and worship God? How can you make it a larger part of your daily life? Why not listen to some Christian music in your car as you commute to work.? Listen to your Moody Radio station or affiliate as songs of praise are played early in the morning or late at night. Keep the words of the hymns and choruses you sing in church on Sunday taped to your bathroom mirror.

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TODAY IN THE WORD
In Frank Capra’s classic film It’s A Wonderful Life, a young father stands on a bridge contemplating suicide. George Bailey’s business is in trouble and the needs of his family seem overwhelming. His life insurance policy is worth more than his cash assets. A victim of illogical thinking, George decides to jump to his death in the icy river below. His plan is foiled, however, by a man who appears out of nowhere and leaps into the river, spurring George to dive into the water to rescue him rather than to commit suicide.

“I’m your angel,” the stranger declares. “Clarence Oddbody, AS2, at your service!” While the theme of the movie concerns the incredible worth of each individual life, the “angel” first comes on the scene to keep George Bailey alive long enough to learn the movie’s lesson.

Like George Bailey, Joseph of Nazareth found himself in a major league dilemma. Joseph was a leader in his community, known for his integrity and biblical values. When his fiancée Mary disclosed to him that she was pregnant, he didn’t know what to think. This was an unthinkable situation. He knew there was no way he could be the father, but what should he do?

Because Joseph’s love for his intended surpassed Mary’s unbelievable explanation of her predicament, he decided not to publicly humiliate her (as custom would dictate). Rather, he determined in his heart to break off the engagement and privately disassociate himself from his “unfaithful” companion.

But Joseph is part of God’s script in THE Most Wonderful Life, so God sends an angel in a dream to override Joseph’s human solution. The courier from heaven tells Joseph to go ahead with the wedding and confirms Mary’s explanation of her pregnancy: “What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (v. 20).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In It’s a Wonderful Life, the angel takes George Bailey on a tour of his own life to discover how he has influenced those around him. Think about ways your life impacts those around you. Ask the Lord to make you mindful of the influence you have on those in your family, at church, at school, or on the job. Ask the Lord to make you sensitive to Him and to others. Thank God that He will take responsibility to guide you when you honor Him with a selfless life and an obedient heart.

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TODAY IN THE WORD
In l990 construction began on a thirteen-story building in Magadan, a city of 200ꯠ in the Soviet Far East. The proposed building, the tallest in the city, was to be the Communist Party Headquarters in a region where Stalin had sentenced 12 million people to death in the gulags.

But then, in the aftermath of the Berlin Wall’s destruction and the revolution in Romania, the Soviet Union succumbed to the weight of its own tyranny and was dissolved. The Party Headquarters in Magadan (guarded by a colossal statue of Lenin) was never completed. A shell of a building without windows or occupants looms above the city as a symbol of the false promises made by communism. It is an eerie place from which former Soviet officials have jumped to their deaths.

Nations have jockeyed for power from the dawn of civilization. For seasons (or even centuries) empires have wielded power, disregarding the values of God. In the words of Psalm 2: “The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather against the Lord and against His Anointed One” (v. 2). But their reigns are temporary and only amuse Him who is sovereign over all nations: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them” (v. 4).

Keeping up with developments on the international scene is difficult. The world is complex and so are the political implications of treaties, summits and conflicts. It is easy to feel insecure by virtue of our lack of knowledge or influence. But God desires that we live in confidence of His control as superintended by His angels.
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A popular evangelist of the last century called committed Christians to hold the Bible in one hand and the daily paper in the other. That continues to be good advice. Scripture encourages us with reliable witness to God’s activity in history, and the newspaper challenges us to believe that God is still in control of His world and our destiny.

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TODAY IN THE WORD
Last spring more than 50ꯠ men gathered in Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in our nation’s capital for a Promise Keepers conference. As the organizers finished their last minute assignments, dark storm clouds began to move in over the open-air arena. A major rainstorm seemed to be moving in. Unsaved friends who had agreed to attend the conference would most likely leave before the evangelistic appeal had been given. Men in need of renewing their vows to wives and children might head for the parking lots as well. Months of planning and praying for spiritual revival would be in vain.

The leaders from the stage called the all-male audience to ask the Lord to hold back the rain. The men prayed. The Lord answered. The only showers that materialized were showers of blessing!

Praying about weather or natural occurrences seems out of place in a world in which the television meteorologist’s five-day forecast is given more credence than most preachers. Even those who have faith may feel it presumptuous to ask God to interfere with the natural chain of events. “Whatever happens must be God’s will,” they claim. “After all, He’s in charge!”

Nonetheless, Scripture is replete with references to God’s intervention in weather-related situations. Moses watched God part the waves of the Red Sea with a mighty wind. Joshua asked the Lord to halt the sun. Elijah prayed for rain. Jesus commanded gale-force breezes and life-threatening waves to calm down. It is clear that the God who created the forces of nature still commands them and can interrupt their natural flow at any time.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Keep looking in your newspaper for references to people in the world who are experiencing difficulties. As you find stories that relate to natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, droughts, etc., pray that God will intervene on their behalf. Ask the Lord to speak through the megaphone of circumstances to get their attention.

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TODAY IN THE WORD
Against the backdrop of an increasingly violent and permissive lineup of network television offerings, one program shines brightly Saturday nights on NBC. “Touched By An Angel” is produced by a woman who found Christ at Willow Creek Community Church in the suburbs of Chicago. Each program contrasts the forces of evil which infiltrate our culture with the power of love, virtue and mercy.

Actress Della Reese plays a “supervisor angel” who mentors a “rookie angel” sent to help individuals caught in various moral dilemmas. In one episode Della reminds her pupil, “A lot of people believe in God. What matters is learning to trust Him!” With that goal in mind, the producer of “Touched By An Angel” walks through the door to work every morning. This program clearly shows the spiritual battle between good and evil in society today, a portrayal available all too infrequently in the mainstream media.

We are in a battle. That’s nothing new. Paul commands us in such passages as Ephesians 6:10-18 to be ready for spiritual warfare, prepared to take our stand against spiritual enemies. But the front lines of the battle are not always clearly marked.

Remember the story of the frog and the kettle? The frog would have jumped right out of a pot of hot water. But when placed in cold water, he stayed in the kettle as the water was slowly heated to the boiling point. Like that frog, we can easily be lulled into complacency by a culture that subtly and continuously flaunts images and ideas that tempt us to lust, greed and other sins.

When we realize the significance of the battle and our vulnerability to attack, we pray with David the words of Psalm 35 and call on heaven’s forces to come to our defense: ”Arise and come to my aid” (v. 2).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Read Ephesians 6:10-18 this morning in addition to today’s selected reading. Consider it a “vitamin supplement.” Notice the reference to the sort of battle we face daily as Christians. Unseen enemies require unseen allies.

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TODAY IN THE WORD
In his well-known movie classic, The Ten Command-ments, Cecil B. DeMille attempted to capture on film the breathtaking story of God’s liberation of His people from Egypt.

While the movie takes some liberties with the biblical account, it does portray the miracles God worked, including the ten plagues He sent upon Egypt and her hard-hearted Pharaoh. And literally thousands of “extras” were used to show the national scope of God’s deliverance. He didn’t grant freedom only to Moses, or to a handful of leaders, but to all of His chosen people. No earthly power could stand in His way!

The Exodus has long held an honored place in the Jewish historical memory. Via Scripture, it is part of the world and legacy of the modern Christian. Through movies such as The Ten Command-ments, it has even entered the awareness of popular culture!

The Book of Exodus is not the only version we have of that phenomenal liberation of the people of God. In our reading for today, Asaph the temple musician (who lived several hundred years after Moses) retells the story of the Exodus and gives us a detail Moses didn’t feel necessary to pass on in his account. Asaph credits “a band of destroying angels” with punishing the Egyptians (v. 49). The plagues were not just supernatural acts prompted by the Creator. Angels, created for the purpose of mediating the will of God, were the instigators of judgment.

Sadly, the Israelites often forgot what God had done to the Egyptians and for them (v. 42). Rather than living in an attitude of thankfulness, they rebelled against God, grieved Him, put Him to the test and vexed Him (vv. 40-41). Although He cared for them as a shepherd does for his sheep (v. 52) and worked mightily on their behalf, they at later times failed to acknowledge Him.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Not many rivers are turned to blood these days, but evidence of God’s deliverance of His people is unmistakable. Each of us can remember episodes of God’s care and guidance (vv. 52-53).

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TODAY IN THE WORD
Randy Reid isn’t sure who or what saved him. He thought he was a dead man, but lived to be grateful he’s not.

Working as a welder on a water tower 110 feet above the ground, Reid lost his balance and fell more than ten stories, landing on a pile of dirt and gravel at the base of the tower. Within minutes, emergency workers arrived and amazingly discovered only minimal injuries. As they carried the injured victim on a stretcher three feet above the ground to a waiting ambulance, Reid looked up at the medics and pleaded, “Don’t drop me!”

Apparently the fall had impacted his senses! What’s a three-foot fall when you’ve just miraculously survived a 110-foot nosedive?

In today’s Bible reading, Peter’s miraculous escape from prison leaves him feeling a bit disoriented as well. As he was led out of his maximum security cell, he wasn’t quite clear what was going on: “He had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision” (v. 9).

Only after the angel had left did it dawn on Peter, as he strolled down a major city street, that he was a walking miracle: “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating” (v. 11).

The means God chooses and the degree to which He answers our prayers are not always apparent. This is further substantiated by what follows in the text. Peter heads straight to the home of Christian friends he knew had been praying for his release. Now that he realizes God has freed him, he wants to celebrate and praise the Lord with those who have been praying for exactly that event.

Ironically, though, the Christians who have been asking God for a miracle are reluctant to believe it’s actually happened. Instead, they tell the servant girl, Rhoda, that she must be out of her mind (v. 15). But Peter kept on knocking until they answered the door and let him in to tell them his amazing story (v. 17).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Like the irrationality of the welder who survived his fall only to question the medics’ care, too often we question God’s ability to come through on the little things, even though He sent His Son to rescue us from the Fall.

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TODAY IN THE WORD
When actor Steve McQueen realized he was dying of inoperable cancer, he admitted that he was not ready to meet God and that he was afraid. McQueen insisted on having an audience with Billy Graham. The acclaimed actor used his network of contacts in the entertainment world and finally tracked down Graham in Japan.

Billy had just concluded a Tokyo crusade and was looking forward to a much-needed rest in Hawaii. McQueen entreated him to change his plans and fly to his California ranch. “I need to know how to be at peace with God,” he insisted. Graham agreed, flew the next day to the actor’s side, and led him to personal faith in Jesus Christ. Within a week McQueen was dead.

Who do you suppose put the thought into Steve McQueen’s head to contact Billy Graham? Without a doubt it was the same Holy Spirit (see John 6:44-45) who dispatched the angel to the Roman centurion Cornelius in Caesarea.

God is concerned with the spiritual needs of people we care about. Scripture is clear about that: ”He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God hears the prayers and listens to the hearts of those who genuinely seek Him. The angel assures Cornelius that his prayers have been heard and tells him to send to Joppa for Peter. The apostle will explain how he can discover a relationship with the One to whom he has regularly prayed.

We have all known individuals such as Cornelius and Steve McQueen. Some have lived morally upright lives but have not known the Savior. Others have misspent their lives in self-destructive pursuits but now long to be forgiven. Today’s passage should give us confidence to trust our gracious God to link those we long to be saved with those who can lead them to assurance of salvation.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Take an index card and list the names of five people in your sphere of influence who do not know Christ. Beside each name write “prayer, care and share.”

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TODAY IN THE WORD
Have you ever tried the freeze-dried food eaten by astronauts in space? In order to meet astronauts’ needs, scientists have developed special techniques for preserving and preparing food.

Take freeze-dried ice cream, for instance. You unwrap the shiny silver package. There lies a block of something resembling Neapolitan ice cream, with stripes of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. But it has the appearance and texture of chalk. Should you eat it? You take a bite—to your surprise, it does indeed taste like ice cream, although your mouth tells you it is not at all cold, soft or creamy. As your jaws chew something that feels like packing material, your tastebuds are sending “ice cream signals” to your brain!

The Israelites didn’t have a team of scientists creating freeze-dried food packages for their trip through the wilderness. They had a far better Resource—God Himself, who provided for His people’s daily need for food.

In today’s reading, the psalmist recounts the children of Israel’s journey in the wilderness. Despite their rebellious attitude, they were provided quail, water and “the bread of angels” (v. 25). You probably know it better as “manna.” The Hebrew word simply means “what is it?” When the manna appeared like dew on the wilderness floor, the children of Israel wondered about it before they resorted to eating it.

The fact that it is called “the grain of heaven” and “the bread of angels” implies its otherworldliness. Never before had humans eaten it. Neither have they again (as far as we know). Talk about a special-order diet!

The phrase “bread of angels” also implies the kindness of our Creator. Even if the angels do not require sustenance as we do, the reference to manna as belonging to them assumes that God provides for the needs of His people through the ministry of angels. As one table grace begins: “Our Redeemer and Provider, we thank thee for the spiritual way you satisfy our physical hunger...”
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Our thoughts should turn toward heaven every time we sit down to eat. God is the One who takes responsibility for our provisions. Do you regularly pause to acknowledge your dependence on Him for the food you enjoy?

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TODAY IN THE WORD
This past Fourth of July weekend Jim Hebert and his family were vacationing near Grand Coulee Dam in eastern Washington state. While having his devotions at sunrise on the lake above the dam, he was interrupted by a stranger running up the dock. The man frantically told of what he had just seen through his binoculars. Two fishermen, clinging to a cable, were caught in the swift current above the spillway.

Jim dropped his Bible, jumped in his ski boat, and raced to their aid. On the way, he recalled a boyhood incident in which he had been rescued from a waterfall. Based on what had saved his life forty years before, he mentally planned his approach. After two failed attempts, Jim was finally able to pull the two fishermen to safety.

As he returned to the dock, he celebrated the many ways God chose to save those two lives. If his friend George had not led him to Christ, he wouldn’t have been having his devotions on the dock early that morning. If his friends had not talked him into buying an engine with extra power, his boat wouldn’t have withstood the strong current. Had his cousin not saved his life forty years earlier, he would not have known what to do.

In much the same way that God orchestrated circumstances to save two fishermen, He brought about the deliverance of the three Hebrew slaves in today’s lesson.

We know that they were friends of Daniel, and that the four of them had already taken a stand for God in the Babylonian court (Dan. 1). They had been promoted in Nebuchadnezzar’s “civil service.” When they refused to bow down to an idol, they testified: “The God we serve is able to save us from [the blazing furnace], and He will rescue us from your hand, O king” (Dan. 3:17). God did exactly that, with the result that the king was forced to acknowledge His power (v. 28).

Although God uses angels to achieve His purposes and to protect His people, He is in no way dependent on these subservient creatures (Job 4:18, 15:15). He can work in any way He pleases. Sometimes He chooses to use other humans to bring about the deliverance He desires.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In your journal make a list of the chain of people and events that God used to bring you to Himself. Who led the person to Christ that led you to Christ? What circumstances were occurring in your life that created a readiness for you to respond to the gospel?