Rhapsody Of Realities 14 November 2023 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy): A Cue From Shadrach, Meshach And Abednego
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TOPIC: A Cue From Shadrach, Meshach, And Abednego (Rhapsody of Realities 14 November 2023)
…O Nebuchadnezzar…our God we serve, can deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will give us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up (Daniel 3:16-18)
Rhapsody Of Realities For Today's MESSAGE:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were threatened by the government of the day to bow down to the king's golden image or burn in the fiery furnace. They refused to compromise, choosing instead to die than to cower. Their inspiring statement of conviction and absolute commitment to the Lord is what we read in our theme scripture.
Their unwavering faith in God infuriated the king, who ordered that they be thrown into the fiery furnace. The fire was so intense that it burnt and killed the men who threw them in. However, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were unscathed. The Lord protected them.
Also Read: Open Heaven 14 November 2023 – Benefits Of Holiness 1
When Nebuchadnezzar noticed they were unhurt by the blazing furnace, he repented and declared, "…Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered the servants that trusted in him…Therefore, I decree that every person, nation, and language that speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be cut in pieces. Their houses shall be made a dunghill: because no other God can deliver after this sort" (Daniel 3:28-29).
That's what happens when you stand your ground in faith despite fierce and daunting opposition. Soon enough, your detractors will be inspired by your beliefs and convictions, which could lead to their salvation. So, serve God with your life.
Your job may be taken away from you for preaching the Gospel, but they can't take away the joy of the Lord in your spirit. They may liquidate your company, but they can't liquidate your heart. God is able! Trust Him. Never find yourself apologetic, intimidated, or reluctant to express your convictions about Christ and the message of the Gospel. He's more significant than any government, institution, or power. He's the Monarch of the universe.
Therefore, stand your ground for Him in faith. Take a cue from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
CONFESSION
The Word of God is so strong in my spirit; it's as fire shut up in my bones, and nothing can hinder the affirmation of my faith and my proclamation of the Gospel of Christ. I'm strengthened and energized by the Holy Spirit who lives in me, and He's made me an absolute victor. Blessed be God!
FURTHER STUDY:
Daniel 3:16-30 (KJV) – 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If so, the God we serve can deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 20 And he commanded the most mighty men in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king's commandment was urgent and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell amid the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, rose up in haste, spake, and said unto his counselors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking amid the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the highest God, come forth and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came from the midst of the fire. 27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was a hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. 30 Then, the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
Psalm 91:2-11 (KJV) – 2 I will say that He is my refuge and fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the highest, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Hebrews 11:17-40 & Ezekiel 8-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 12:1-11 & 1 Chronicles 14
Remember to share with all your friends and loved ones today. Thank you, and God bless you richly.
Rhapsody of Realities 2023 Devotional was written by Pastor Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.
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