Text: Daniel 3
In the song "Living Dangerously In The Hands Of God" by Steve Camp, there is one line that stands out to me the most:". And the cost of real devotion seems so foreign to my life". The two words "real" and "foreign" suggests to me that there is a devotion that goes so much deeper than what we have become accustomed to.
As I pondered on that song, this is what I feel the message of it is saying:
"Living Dangerously In The Hands Of God is a call to be "conformed no longer to the pattern of this world" (Romans 12:2) but conformed to the will and the Person of Jesus Christ. It’s commitment at all costs!!! Living dangerously in the hands of God is to boldly risk living FOR Christ in a Christ-less society. It is to embrace the reproach of Jesus rather than the reception of this world. And with that reproach, to willingly face the consequence with no thought of shrinking back. Such devotion is scarcely found-but possible to all who will answer the One who calls."
To live in such devotion requires a price to pay. There is a price tag on devotion. There is a high cost. It has been said that "salvation is free". True. It is freely given to the one who believes. But that salvation has a cost in your life. Though free-it will cost you everything. This devotion has no discount. It demands all. Let us look into the Word of God and see some examples of those who truly knew the price tag on devotion.
(READ DANIEL 3)
Three truths that should speak to us concerning our devotion to Jesus.
I: They were willing to lose all the esteem and things of this world.
These men had been granted positions of great authority and esteem in the kingdom. (Daniel 2:49) They were known and honored throughout Babylon. They were well secure and taken care of in every way. But still these men were faithful to the Lord their God. Now they were faced with the loss of all honor, favor, authority and material things that came with their position. They would not be tied to this life!!! The apostle Paul echoed this same truth in Philippians 3. (Philippians 3:7,8)
The one who truly follows after the call of his Lord will never see the world in the same light. The world will hold no attraction to the one who has seen the beauty of the Lord. The world will never esteem a true follower of Jesus, for it was Jesus who said "All men will hate you because of Me." (Matthew 10:22) The love and favor of this world is given only to those who will not identify with or confess loyalty to Jesus Christ.
Has your devotion to the Lord cost you anything in this life? Friends, family, respect, affection, the pursuit of worldly ambitions and dreams, material gain? Do you find yourself pursuing the things of this life or the One who has given you life?
II: They would not compromise to save their own lives.
These men had the prime opportunity to give in and save their skin. The choice that faced them was bow and live-refuse and die. The pressure was enormous. Why? Why would there be any pressure? See Daniel 3:7 -- "All the peoples fell down and worshipped the image of gold." It’s what we hear today in society and even in the Church: "Everyone is doing it". How these men stood alone; and one truly devoted to Christ will at times stand alone. Righteousness has few friends and many enemies. How do we as believers compromise in our faith and devotion? Do we try to find our life here by keeping our faith "a private matter"? Will we be silent in a sinful society? Many compromise with sin and worldliness in order to be "at peace" with the world. Listen to the depth of the three men’s devotion: Daniel 3:16-18 They would rather burn for the Lord than live for a king. Could we live and speak in such a way today? Listen to what Paul says in Acts 20:22-24. Jesus said "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it".
III: They courageously risked everything, including their lives out of pure devotion to the Lord. Daniel 3:23
These men went to the flames with unwavering faith and commitment that was immovable. They feared not the flames for they feared the One who could deliver them from the flames. Their wealth, position, honor and even their own life meant nothing to them compared to their devotion to the Lord. Do we fear the flames that we face in this world? Even in such hardship and trial will we stand and gladly face the consequence of such devotion?
See Acts 21:10-13. Paul was not only ready to be bound, beaten and jailed for Christ but would boldly die for the sake of His Lord. He knew true life was found in Jesus and eternity awaited outside this temporary life. That is why he could gladly pay the price.
In closing, what is the price tag on true devotion to Jesus Christ? YOUR LIFE AND YOUR ALL SURRENDERED TO THE CROSS OF JESUS. He demands nothing less. Is this way of devotion foreign to our lives? May we ever seek the Lord in complete surrender to His cross and resolve to carry the one he has called us to. He will grant us such grace to follow that we should never look back.
Submitted by Scott Bresee
(c) 2000 Sanctuary of Grace Ministries
Posted Dec. 6, 2000
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