Make It Clear

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 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. 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.”
Daniel 3:16-18 NLT

They were captives in Babylon - subject to the king, his edicts, ego, and anger. However, their faith was in only One - God Almighty, the great Jehovah, King of kings and Lord of lords. Their lives were on the line - bow or burn. 

Adhering to the commandments they had been taught all their lives,  the response of their heart, mind, soul, and strength was immediate, "We will never..."  The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’  At the threat of our lives, will we do the same?

Prayer:

Father, 

           Thank You for Your commandments to us that - when obeyed - give and sustain our lives. Help us to always keep our hearts, minds, souls, and strength aligned to serve and worship only You. Let us not be deceived or lured away by what the world offers. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen