(Tuesday, March 17)
Every time we turn on the news another exclamation point is added to the fact that our world and our Church is in unprecedented crisis. We ask, “What is going on? What caused all of this?”
How fitting that today we read a prayer taken from the book of Daniel (3:25-43). Jerusalem had been overrun by the Babylonians and many of its people dragged off as slaves. They were cut off completely from Temple services and traditional religious practices. Some, however, remained amazingly faithful even within a hostile environment. One of these was the holy man, Azariah, who along with two of his friends was tossed into a fiery furnace because they refused to deny their God. And so he prayed:
“For your name’s sake, O Lord, do not deliver us up forever, or make void your covenant. Do not take away your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham your beloved…For we are reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation, brought low everywhere in the world this day because of our sins.”
From being a shining star among nations, the people of Israel were reduced to the lowest position—“beyond any other nation…everywhere in the world.” And why did this all happen? Azariah went to the heart of the matter: “because of our sins.” It wasn’t because their rulers failed or because their armies were weak, or even because of a faulty economic system that they were brought low. It was because of their sins.
If an army’s supply chain is cut off, it weakens and falls apart. So as Israel continued to turn away from God, they cut off their “supply chain.” Their birth and existence as a nation was explained by the extraordinary favor God granted them. Just like Adam, when they decided to go their own way, everything fell apart. Sin has logical and disastrous consequences. Azariah appealed to God’s mercy.
He mourned the loss of their religious support system:
“We have in our day no prince, prophet, or leader, no burnt offering, sacrifice, oblation, or incense, no place to offer first fruits, to find favor with you.”
Since public worship and traditional religious practices were outlawed, what could they do?
“But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received; as though it were burnt offerings of rams and bullocks or thousands of fat lambs…for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame.”
Even in the center of the fire, Azariah had power to connect with God. He couldn’t engage in a religious service but he could have a “religious service” take place in his heart—then and there. In fact a “contrite heart and humble spirit” was more pleasing to God than the sacrifice of “thousands of fat lambs.” His worship power was as strong as ever—even outside Jerusalem.
Azariah then renewed Israel’s part of the covenant:
“And now we will follow you with our whole heart, we fear you and pray to you…Deliver us by your wonders and bring glory to your name, O Lord.”
And, deliver them, God did! The three holy men survived the worst of all tortures. Even the Babylonians could not stop God from working wonders for his beloved children.
As we know from the history of the Church, a Church in exile can be the most powerful one on earth. Contrite and humble hearts allow the mercy of God to penetrate even the darkest of conditions. Faith tried by fire produces holiness!
“Even now, return to me with your whole heart; for I am gracious and merciful” ( Joel 2:12-13).
