What are we bowing to today?
"Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up." (NIV) Daniel 3:4-7
Among the Jews who had been taken to Babylon were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. As characteristic of godly men, they defied the king's order and refused to bow to the image set up by the king. Having studied the law, it was clear to them that God demanded that He alone be bowed to and worshiped (Exodus 20:1-6). These three men were reported to the king. By way of forcing his subjects to comply, Nebuchadnezzar warns them: “... very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” (Daniel 3:15).
The three Hebrew men showed an example of dealing with idols and things that oppose the sovereignty of God. To start with, godly people must speak against evil and act against evil. The Hebrew men firstly point out their position with boldness "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King 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 deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18).
True to the king's words, the three Hebrew men were thrown into the blazing furnace and then a miracle happens! Bounded in the heat of the furnace, they remained unharmed for the Lord was with them. Astonished as he was, Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed “…Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” (Daniel 3:25). God revealed Himself to the king in expressing His saving power even in the blazing furnace. The God of heaven glorified Himself to humanity and to the evil king.
Indeed, those who desire to bow to God only would face trials. However, God's saving grace can see His children through tough times and bring them out harmless. The royals of Babylon observed that “the fire had not harmed their bodies (the three Hebrew men), nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them” (Daniel 3:27).
At the end of the story, the positive defiance of these men led the king to decree in favour of the God of heaven whose name ought to be revered! (Daniel 3:28-29) When we stand for God, mighty decrees are made in our favour. Let us all determine to bow only to God no matter what and trust me, He will stand for us mightily! ELOHIM lives!
Reflection
What are you bowing down to?
What deprives you of total commitment to God and His kingdom on earth?
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