Our Story 2.0 - Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego | Sermon 07/28/24

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, young men of nobility from the tribe of Judah, had been taken captive when Babylon conquered Israel. They had studied for 3 years in the king's school alongside Daniel; "to these 4 young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning" ....to the king they were found superior to all others; "ten times better than all the magicians, and enchanters in his whole kingdom." (1:17, 20) They rose to high levels of government in Babylon, set as administrators over the province of Babylon. As captives in a pagan land, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's ability to trust in God and obedience to worship and serve Him only is remarkable to be sure.

The hero of this story is God, who miraculously protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the king’s wrath and punishment of death by fiery furnace. God had been with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, giving them wisdom and courage as they navigated life in Babylon’s culture and false religion. 

It is challenging to trust God and worship Him only when we are surrounded by a culture who neither acknowledges God nor honors our commitment to Him. We may never face such brutal consequences for our loyalty to God, but like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's we need Jesus to help us cultivate wisdom in navigating our current culture and to grow our trust in and love for Him. Jesus is able to keep us from falling and to present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy! To Him be all glory! (Jude 24-25)