Loyalty that will do anything, that will endure anything, that will make the whole being consecrate to Him, is what Christ wants. Anything else is not worthy of Him.”
Burdett Hart
God is looking for men and women that are loyal to Him. He found three of His devoted disciples in Daniel 3:1-18: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. King Nebuchadnezzar had made a golden image and required everyone who heard the sound of musical instruments, to fall down and worship the idol. Those who did not obey the edict would be thrown into a blazing furnace.
The king was furious that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remained loyal to God. They did not bow down to the false idol, so the king threatened to throw them into the fiery furnace. The three men were resolute and said they didn’t need to defend themselves. The Only One they had to answer to was the One, True and Almighty God. Likewise, our only allegiance is to be toward God.
The three men knew who they were - God’s servants; their position was to revere and submit to God. They also knew who God was and had an accurate assessment of His capabilities. They knew God could deliver them (Daniel 3:17). What situation are you in today that requires God’s deliverance? Do you have faith that God is able to rescue you out of your fiery furnace?
“But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:18). There was no question in their minds who they would worship. They knew God could rescue and protect them from harm, but their love and devotion to God was not dependent upon the gifts God gave them. They chose to remain true to God and worship Him alone no matter what God did or didn’t do or how He responded to their trial. They knew God was good and the only one who was worthy to be worshiped. Their devotion to God was not because they trusted in His deliverance and the good gifts He would give them. Their loyalty and love for God was based on His goodness.
“Beware of anything that competes with your loyalty to Jesus Christ. The greatest competitor of true devotion to Jesus is the service we do for Him.”
Oswald Chambers
Relevant Reflections:
What is one thing you can do today to show your loyalty to God no matter how He may respond to your fiery furnace?
Are you bowing down to the world’s idols?