Loyal To The Lord

“...You are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me...” [1]

Throughout history, loyalists to the Lord have encountered trials, but the Lord is loyal to His loyal followers. He shall reward us in like manner to the rewards He received from His Father.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego are fine examples of loyal followers of the Lord. In their day, a king made an idol of gold. It was ninety feet tall and ten feet wide. He ordered his officials to join the dedication of this image. He commanded them to worship the image. He warned them, “Whoever does not fall down, and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” [2]

“How twisted!” This man threatened people with fire if they did not worship him. This is the final destiny of followers of false gods. “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” [3]

Most fell down and worshiped the gold image. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were the exceptions. It was reported to the king, “They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.” [4]

The king warned them, “If you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” [5]

They replied, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” [6]

They were thrown into the fiery furnace. To his surprise, the king saw a fourth man in the fire with them. He exclaimed, “Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” [7]

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego exited the fire, the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.

The king praised God, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him.” He added, “There is no other God who can deliver like this.” Then, he promoted them. [8]

Loyal followers of the Lord may experience trials for a season, but in the end, we experience God’s deliverance and promotions from Him. Praying for God’s grace to help us all be loyal to the Lord!

[1] Luke 22:28-29
[2] Daniel 3:6
[3] Revelation 20:15
[4] Daniel 3:12
[5] Daniel 3:15
[6] Daniel 3:17-18
[7] Daniel 3:25
[8] Daniel 3:28-30