Dateline: Minneapolis
A few years ago the acronym WWJD (what would Jesus do?) became a popular fad. Though the sentiment is helpful (try to be like Jesus), we cannot do what Jesus would do unless we know exactly what is is that He does (WDJD?). Interestingly, we can find a good example of the work of Christ in the book of Daniel. Jesus is certainly spiritually present in the future prophesies of this book and many scholars say He was physically present in the fiery furnace found in chapter 3; at the very least His work is seen in that furnace.... So what does He do?
He defends us- these three young men were protected from a death sentence and execution. Jesus can also come to you defense before the Throne of Judgement.
He discharges us- it is a common mistake to say that nothing was burned on these young men. In fact something was burned- the ropes that were used to bind them when they were thrown into the fire (King Nebuchadnezzar is quoted as saying the men were now "loose" in the fire). When Jesus discharges us from our sins the only thing we lose are the shackles that imprisoned us.
He delivers us- In the original language, the text indicates that the ground literally "rose up" to lift the three young men out of the fire. Jesus does the same for us- He lifts us out of the fire by His supernatural power and not by our own efforts.
All this evidence leads to one conclusion- Jesus does the things that we cannot do. He defends us from impossible enemies, He discharges us from the slavery of sin and He delivers us unto eternal life. Perhaps, when we ponder the question WWJD? our thoughts should not be about ourselves and our actions but instead be a reminder to worship the Mighty Savior who does the things that we cannot do.
