Whom or what do you serve?
I LOVE the story in Daniel about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their strong conviction and belief in God and how He saved them from the fiery furnace, without even the smell of smoke on their clothes, always encourages, humbles, and amazes me. Especially this time of year when the weather outside is cooler and we quite often hang out around the firepit in our backyard. Whew, the smell of smoke when I’m a few feet away can be nauseating.
But, today, I’m looking at Daniel 2:36-3:30 a different way.
How often are we like King Nebuchadnezzar? Wishy-washy. This is what I mean:
In Daniel 2:47 King Neb was truly astonished by the revelation of his dream that Daniel told him through God. He said, “Truly, your God is the greatest of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries,…”
A little later down in Daniel 3:14-15 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? 15 I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”
And then….in verse 25 King Neb actually SAW God. Daniel 3:25 says, “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” (Hellooooo, it was God!)
Finally, in Daniel 28-29 we read, “Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!” (Oh, really???)
I believe. I’m not sure. I believe. I’m not sure.
I serve The One True God. I serve my job, hobby, persons,….. I serve God. I serve _______.
Oh, make up your mind already and just serve God and God alone! Don’t be wishy-washy like King Neb was.
God IS the greatest of all. He WILL and IS ABLE to rescue you. We can SEE God in many everyday life situations, just open your eyes. God is for real!
Blessings to you.
| December 7, “Walking in the Word” |
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