Miracles as Optional

In Daniel 3 there’s the classic story about three young Jewish men being threatened with death if they don’t bow down to the idols of the king of Babylon. There’s lots in this story that’s parallel to the Jonah story about the great fish, but we’re not going to get into that here. What we want to notice is the attitude of these three young men towards miracles. They are about to be burned to death, and yet they have pretty nuanced perspective on whether and when God does miracles. See what stands out to you:

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” - Daniel 3:16-18

What stands out most to you? How do you find yourself thinking about God’s power to do miracles? How about God’s desire to do miracles?