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The Image of Gold and the Blazing Furnace

1 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. 3 So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.

4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: 5 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. 6 Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”

7 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.

8 At this time some astrologer] came forward and denounced the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever! 10 Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, 11 and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

13 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So, these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, 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?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 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. 18 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.”

 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had convictions. Perhaps it’s a good day to examine our own. Looking into the earlier part of today’s scripture, I pause to think about those who indeed DID obey the king’s order to bow down to idols. It sounds like a party-like, happy atmosphere. Have you ever found yourself wanting to please someone you thought to be in some way powerful or prestigious? I sure have. Back in the 1980s and 90s, I worked in a hospital that had “VIP” rooms. Those patients got “extra” good care. And I was good at doing my part. So sad!

So many of my convictions could be examined and found in need of improvement. But this is just a daily devotion, and the scripture was already long. Today, I will reconvict to treat humans as equals, equally loved and valued by God, without regard to religion, social status, sexual preference, physical appearance, ANYTHING! This reconviction will require me to mindfully

respect the gifts in all people, without giving preferential treatment. If this does not strike a chord with you, I hope you will take a moment to look into a conviction that you personally own and examine it a bit by laying it up against your personal values.

Dear Lord, help us to have convictions that honor you and draw others to you. Help our church as we strive to spread your love and good news. Help us to faithfully step into fires with full confidence in your protecting presence. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. And one more thing: A special thanks from me that there are no VIP rooms (that I know of) in the hospital where I now work!

Juli Hampton Ham10five@gmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: For an exponential growth in generosity in our nation