May 20

Daniel and his companions knew what it was like to go through the refining fire of God. They were literally thrown into the fiery furnace for remaining loyal to God in a godless society. We can be sure that they came out of that fire looking more like God than when they went in. In fact, while in the midst of that fire, the king who had given orders for them to undergo the test of fire exclaimed that one that walked with them in the fire looked like one of the gods (Dan. 3:25).

The godless of this world need to see the image of God with us and in us as we walk through this world of fiery testings. The fire by which the world means to destroy us is the same fire that God will use to purify us--and witness to the world.

Fire in and of itself is neutral. It is neither good nor evil. It is the purpose for which it is used that determines its judgment. In this same book of Daniel, fire is mentioned again, though not directly. In Daniel 12:3, Scripture states that at the resurrection, those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens -- the heavens where billions upon billions of stars blaze away in the tremendous heat of nuclear reactions.

How fitting that God should create these countless furnaces in the heavens to reflect the glory of his purified children, who are, in turn, reflections of his own image and glory.

Scripture for today: Daniel 12:1-3
Thought for today: Those who are wise accept Christ. They will shine like stars in the heavens.
Prayer for today: Lord, help me to shine for you, a light in a dark and lost world.

MAY 20