Do Whatever, God has my back

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.
But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:16-18

Simply put, three young men said, “If a miracle occurs to save us … GREAT!  But, miracle or not, we serve God, who is able to save and keep us!”  No matter what, don’t falter in your faith and turn away form He who is Savior.  Three faithful young men received a miracle; when they were thrown into the inferno, the fires of hell could not stand against God – three went into the intense fire of a furnace, but:

 

“’Look! … four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed,’ … [they] came out of the fire, …not harmed … [nor]  heads singed; robes… not scorched, and … no smell of fire on them.”

Hallelujah!

The issue isn’t what to ask for, what to expect, nor what to demand,… God’s promises are by His grace and mercy – not by our demands.  The issue is to serve God in faith, and know that He will deliver you – Jesus has you.  Follow the example of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, in obedient faith let Jesus lead you out, un-scorched and without the smell of smoke.

Holding onto the hand of my Deliver,  

Owen <><

What can a hardened Soldier teach me?

“For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me.
I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes.” 
Luke 7:8

In Luke 7 is a story about Jesus entering the town of Capernaum, there he was met by a Centurion, a man that is a frontline officer of the Roman Army, who typically commanded 100 to 1,000 infantry and cavalry soldiers.  The Centurion had not come to arrest Jesus, but stand before Jesus for the healing of his servant.  Here was a man who had arose from the rank and file soldier, being proven in battle, stern and hardened by war, and he commanded men in the harsh ways common in those days.


Yet, the Centurion cared for, had compassion for his servant, someone he esteemed more than as mere servant.  The Centurion humbled himself before Jesus, yet, with a bold request of healing for the servant.  Humility of a strong warrior is evident, The Centurion says, “I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed” (v7). 

Wow!
The Centurion expressed his heart:  Jesus, just say he’s healed, and I know it’s done deal – your word is good!  I have no authority of command over sickness, but you do.  “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.’”



What have I learned in the Centurion’s story?

• The Centurion was a man with a tough demeanor, yet he is compassionate.
• The Centurion, in humility, set aside his rank as a ruling conqueror to approach Jesus.
• The Centurion was obedient to a mere word; anything Jesus said would become truth.
• The Centurion exercised humble obedience, the evidence of great faith in Christ. 

The Centurion was a soldier, and no matter the rank, a soldier is obedient, a soldier is a servant, a soldier is compassionate to those he protects and serves, and a soldier lives a life requiring humility and faith in the one appointed over him.  The outer rough and stern shell of a soldier is often turned away from, one misses the fruit inside the soldier – a soldier is much like a pineapple.  Many of us may not look like a soldier, but nonetheless, all must approach Christ Jesus in humble obedience and faithfully receive a mere Word to receive healing, peace, salvation.

In Christ’s service, your soldier,

Owen <><