Read Daniel 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62, Ps. 23, John 8:12-20

“I choose not to do it and to fall into your hands, rather than to sin in the sight of the Lord.” (Susanna 1:23)

The story of Susana is a very touching story; a story that teaches us that God will never abandon His children who remain faithful and upright regardless of the temptation they face in life. It is a true-life story that tells of the courage of a well-trained innocent woman who preferred to die rather than consent to sin. For her decision to die rather than fall into sin, God came to her rescue.

Like Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego who were willing to be thrown into the furnace of fire rather than bow to foreign gods, God became the fourth man in the fire for Susanna. Dear friends, let your fear of God be greater than your fear of losing your life. You serve a God who never forsakes his children. Our Psalmist today sings: “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want… I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil will I fear…”

The judges felt they could blackmail her but, in the end, their lust became their downfall. Avoid the sin of lust, it has led and continues to lead many to their graves. Keep your thoughts clean and your mind occupied. St. Paul would say “Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).

Are you currently desiring someone that is not your wife (or husband)? Consider this story as a warning from God today. You don’t have to give your flesh everything it craves; you are the master/owner of your flesh. Let go of the urge. No responsible parent will give their children everything they desire, if for instance, the child is asking for fire, the parent would rather prefer that the child cries than being burnt by fire. Discipline yourself. Pommel your body.

One thing that gave the judges away was lies. By asking them the name of the tree under which they supposedly caught Susanna with another man, Daniel exposed their devilish minds. Every time we lie, we make the devil our father. This is why Jesus warned us: “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and has nothing to do with the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44).

There is just no gain in wickedness. Daniel mentioned that the judges had been doing this to other daughters of Israel and had gotten away with it. Of course, these judges were very powerful. They thought they could get anything and anybody they so desired. Are you currently occupying a position of authority? Do not be carried away by your enormous power. Fear God; He gave you that position and He can take it from you whenever He so desires.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, clean my heart from all impurity, lies, and wickedness. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Monday of the 5th week of Lent. Bible Study: Daniel 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62, Ps. 23, John 8:12-20).

© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu