How is your heart?
Daniel 3-5/Matthew 14-15
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OT
3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
:23-25 So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell down into the roaring flames. But suddenly, as he was watching, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?” “Yes,” they said, “we did indeed, Your Majesty.” “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire. They aren’t even hurt by the flames! And the fourth looks like a divine being!”
NT
14:28-29 Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if its really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water.’ ‘All right, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.
OT Flash Points
3 young men received by Jesus from the fire
Their resolve to exclusively worship God is commended
Visions again
A warning from God
But Nebo would not humble himself
He became like an animal of the field
He became greater than ever after God had humbled him
Belshazzar defied God & would not humble himself
So, knowing his heart of rebellion, God just wrote his epitaph on the wall while he watched
NT Flash Points
Even Peter had the sense to wait for orders to get out of the boat
Intercession is based on faith in Jesus
Perspective
Out of the heart issues the essence of the man