July 28 ( widows so raised )
Greeting: United young and free – PEACE
Text – Fiery Furnace –
Daniel 3
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”
They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”
25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.
Thinking about God’s presence – tough times, trials, grief,
Think on the rosier signs – are we as reflective, do we feel the need to be held up, supported, carried through?
United – ANOTHER IN THE FIRE
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cDcOVn7rulQ
Text:( widows so raised )
Luke 7:11-17 Widows son raised ( Don’t cry )
11 Soon afterward,
– Back to back, context matter, Pharisees question authority, He heals by command long distance a gentile soldiers servant/slave
Jesus went to a town called Nain,
– Means beautiful, pleasant
and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him.
– large crowd
Bethesda pool healing- healed crippled Jew by command
Sabbath authority –
Centurions servant healed – by distant command
12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.
– funeral
– only son ( fast forward )
– widow (fast forward ), 2nd tragedy , destitute? – possible
And a large crowd from the town was with her.
– two large crowds meet, well loved, at least sympathetic
13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her
– why ? Fast forward.
– compassion and empathy….. a pattern of his
and he said, “Don’t cry.” ( lit. ‘Don’t keep on crying’)
– not say it ISNT necessary, but rather He is the SOLUTION for her grief.
– John 11: 35 ( at Lazarus’ tomb )
14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still.
– a sign to stop?
– active involvement
He said, “YOUNG MAN, I SAY TO YOU, GET UP! “
– authority
15 The dead man sat up and began to talk,
– picture the action ( double proof )
– supernatural encounter …
and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
– fast forward (?)
16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.”
– the purpose and mission of Jesus….
17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.
Conclusion:
ANOTHER IN THE FIRE :
There’ll be another in the fire
Standing next to me
There’ll be another in the waters
Holding back the seas
And should I ever need reminding
How good You’ve been to me
I’ll count the joy come every battle
‘Cause I know that’s where You’ll be