In the Midst of Trials

Reflection 32 from Matters of the Heart

“I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” – Daniel 3:25

See Also:

John 16:33

The imagery presented to us in the fiery trial of the three saintly youth is nothing short of glorious. Three young men disobeyed their earthly king in honour of their Heavenly Ruler, and for that they were delivered to their executioners. A raging and fiery furnace fit the fury of the king, and the three young men were hurled in the midst of an inferno.

But their Deliverer was not afar off, walking rather in their midst. What a splendid sight to behold! The Lord could just have easily extinguished the furnace, putting an end to the intended suffering and turmoil. But what the Son of God did was all the more marvellous, for He delivered the saintly men by simply being in their midst. And just as the Lord shielded these youth from the horror that surrounded them, He will likewise keep us in His peace in the midst of the greatest disasters of this world.

Prayer

Come to us O three children, whom Christ our God has lifted, and from the Devil has delivered, praise Him and exalt Him above all.

(Coptic Praise for the Three Saintly Children)

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