PODCAST
Unwelcome Attention
May 15th, 2017
Daniel 3:1-12
Daniel 3 tells of King Nebuchadnezzar’s gargantuan pride and the triumph of humble faith. The king constructed a great monument–to himself! He wanted everyone to worship him as the god he believed himself to be.
What a silly and pretentious affair: the guest list of high officials compelled to attend this ego fest and the roster of instruments in the ceremonial orchestra. Oh, and nearby was a “blazing furnace,” ready to receive anyone who failed to fall down and worship the king’s golden image.
The ceremony begins, the king and all the officials are gathered in pomp, the orchestra strikes a regal chord, and everybody bows–except three young Jewish men off to one side. The king didn’t seem to notice, but some “astrologers” pointed out this silent non-compliance.
Isn’t that the way it goes? Take a stand for God and you will stand out from the world. The good news is that the story wasn’t over for the three Jewish men–or for us.
Author: Duane Brush
