I used that quaint title for today’s Lesson based on Daniel chapter 3, the well-known  “burning fiery furnace” account written there. “In the fire,” yes indeed … God Himself came down and walked right alongside Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego!

And dear friend, no matter what you’re suffering today (if Jesus is your Saviour) He is there (with you) “in your situation” … every bit as much as He was that day long ago. (Not visibly, I agree, but spiritually, essentially! Every step of the way!)

And that thought leads me to today’s Text.

Speaking of Israel, God was said to be (grammatically in the Third Person) …

“In all their affliction HE was afflicted, and the angel of HIS PRESENCE saved them: in HIS love and in HIS pity HE redeemed them; and HE bare them, and carried them all the days of old.” Isaiah 63:9

All I want to say today, and it is merely a reminder to most of you: When you are hurting (based on this verse), God is hurting with you!

The verb “afflicted” used here means “being squeezed from all sides!”

Under pressure!

Gasping for breath!

In the proverbial “dire straits!”

His PRESENCE (the Hebrew noun means His Very “FACE”) is right now “saving” you!

And I have not even discussed His LOVE and His PITY and His CARRYING POWER (sustaining ability), but the verse mentions all three!

All I am emphasizing right now is this … WHEN YOU ARE IN GRIEF, HE IS IN GRIEF WITH YOU!

Jesus, in the words of Hebrews 4:15, (as our great High Priest) “is touched with the feeling of our infirmities!” (The Greek verb found here is “sumpatheo,” our word “sympathy!” Jesus “in sympathy” with you!)

Yes … He’s in that tight place … with you!

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

And even if you can’t “see” him right now … in the words of that old hymn “Standing Somewhere in the Shadows, (sooner or later) You’ll find Jesus!”

He’s there!

Amen!