In Daniel Chapter 3, we read that Nebuchadnezzar threw three men into a super-heated furnace. But to his surprise they did not die. Instead, a fourth Man appeared, walking with them in the middle of the furnace. Who was this fourth Man

“... If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive ...” (John 7:37-38)

“This people honours Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me.” (Matt 15:8) It is not our religious practices which God looks at. It is our heart condition - that which no-one else sees.

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“The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil.” (Matt 12:35) What is the treasure of our hearts?

“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Prov 4:23)

The wood of the vine. Let's start with an unusual Scripture from the Old Testament - Ezekiel Chapter 15.

“Son of man, how is the wood of the vine better than any wood of a branch which is among the trees of the forest?" (Ezek 15:2)

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth will be from long ago, from the days of eternity...” (Micah 5:2)

Why Bethlehem Ephrathah? The little village is small and insignificant, yet God made a choice which has caused this village to be probably the most famous village in the world.

This must be one of the most challenging verse of the Bible... “For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.” (Heb 10:34)

When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)

James 1:5

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 

The world holds servanthood in contempt. Yet, when I look at the Bible, I see something very different. Firstly, the angels, being glorified spiritual beings, are called, “… ministering spirits, sent out to render service …” (Heb 1:14)

As we were contemplating the crucifixion of Christ, the Holy Spirit awakened in me the thought, “What about the Heavenly Father’s emotions as He observed the terrible suffering of His own dearly beloved Son at the hands of cruel people because of my sins – all our sins?” Let us go through the story and consider the emotions involved.