Shielded by Obedience

We continue in the series Following Jesus, and today we will explore the concept of being shielded by obedience. Let’s begin with prayer.

Heavenly Father, I come to You full of gratitude. Help me to open Your word today, receive Your truth, and invite You into my moments of discomfort. Amen.

Daniel 3:16-28 (NLT)
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

19 Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. 20 Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. 22 And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. 23 So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames.

24 But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?”

“Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied.

25 “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!”

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”

So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. 27 Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

When I think of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, I think of how they lived without much freedom of choice. I think of the rules, the strict guidelines, and the training required to attend to a king. They were groomed to serve, and even had their names changed to suit their environment. Yet these men already knew this place was not their home. I think of that when I wrestle with the severity held in their words when they chose the fire over worshiping anyone but God. These men were faced with a choice: to worship a false god or be thrown into the fire. How often do you find yourself choosing between God or anything other than God?

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were gifted by God with knowledge and understanding, ready for a day to come into use when God called them to be obedient. How can this example of faithful obedience shape your response with the choice to obey or disobey God?

Take some time today and really look within yourself. Is there anywhere God is calling you to be obedient? To choose Him…even if it doesn’t pan out the way you desire, even if it’s uncomfortable? Are you willing to choose Him anyway?

Lord, help me to choose obedience no matter how it looks. I thank You for choosing me even before I was brought into the world.

I hope you are challenged today as you reflect on this story of bold obedience. Be blessed, and remember who you represent!