The Divine presence.
I. GOD IS WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THEIR TRIALS.
1. He does not prevent them from falling into distress, but he helps them when in, which is better for the disciplinary ends of trouble.
2. God does not simply send help in trouble. He comes himself. Moses was not satisfied with the promise of the guidance of an angel (Exodus 33:2). He sought and obtained the assurance that God's presence would go with Israel (Exodus 33:14). Jesus Christ promises his abiding presence (Matthew 28:20). This is more than the natural universal presence of God. It is a nearness of sympathy, an active intercourse, a special manifestation of his Spirit (John 14:23).
3. God's presence in trouble implies his endurance with us by sympathy. He is afflicted in our afflictions (Isaiah 63:9). Jesus bore our griefs (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 8:17). When we take Christ's yoke we are yoked to him, and he bears with us (Matthew 11:29).
II. GOD'S PRESENCE IN TROUBLE IS AN ASSURANCE OF PRESENT SECURITY AND ULTIMATE DELIVERANCE. The secret of the safety of the three Jews in the furnace is seen in the fourth presence, like "a Son of God."
1. God's presence secures present safety. By his sympathy he helps us to bear trouble. By his spiritual strength in us he increases our strength. Apply this
2. God's presence secures ultimate deliverance. God does not only help us to bear the trouble. He finds a way of escape so that, though we pass through it, we shall not remain in it.
III. GOD'S PRESENCE IN TROUBLE IS AN AMPLE COMPENSATION FOR THE ENDURANCE OF IT. Storms clear the air and reveal the distant prospect. Trouble brings the eternal near and unveils the unseen. This nearness of God is the source of our holiest life and deepest gladness. It is worth entering a fiery furnace to meet Christ there. Heaven is the presence of God. The furnace of affliction becomes a paradise when he manifests his presence in it.
TWO PRACTICAL LESSONS.
1. Be faithful. The three Jews were faithful to God. Therefore God manifested himself to them. God is not present in every furnace of trial. He comes when we are true and trustful. If we are living without God in prosperity, we cannot expect him to visit us in adversity (Jeremiah 11:14).
2. Be fearless. If we are following Christ, we need fear no trouble. The assurance of the Divine presence should nerve us to meet the hardest trial (Psalms 23:4). Christian courage is a duty which depends on faith in the presence and help of God (John 14:1, John 14:18). This faith is the secret of the great difference between the fortitude of the Stoic, which often ended in despair and suicide, and. the courage of the Christian) which issues in patient hopeful submission.