In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not bow to or worship the golden image King Nebuchadnezzar set up, and “Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not you serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if you be ready that at what time you hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if you worship not, you shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer you in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king”, and in Daniel chapter three and verse eighteen of his book Daniel shared how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered Nebuchadnezzar, “if not … we will not serve your gods”, where we read,
But if not, be it known unto you, O king, that we will not serve your gods,
nor worship the golden image which you have set up.
The verse reads, “But if not, be it known unto you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, ...” Daniel began with the words, “but if not” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover whether and in case God does not deliver Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from King Nebuchadnezzar”, “be it known unto you” which means “let this be clear to you, Nebuchadnezzar”, “O king” or “O royal ruler and leader”, “that we will not serve your gods” whose name means “that we, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall in no way revere, minister to or worship your, King Nebuchadnezzar's, deities”. Daniel shared how “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” made it clear to King Nebuchadnezzar that they would in no way or manner revere or worship his deities.
The verse continues, “... nor worship the golden image which you have set up.” Daniel added the words, “nor worship the golden image” which means “no and not in any way give homage and adoration to the golden idolatrous figure” “which you have set up” or “that you, King Nebuchadnezzar, established and fixed in place”. Daniel said “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” told King Nebuchadnezzar that they would in no way give adoration and homage to his idolatrous golden idol.
When we meditate upon Daniel's words in this verse, we discover how “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” were determined that they would not give reverence or homage to King Nebuchadnezzar's deities nor his golden idol. “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” were purposed to worship Jehovah God and no one or nothing else. God wants us to be this way, and He will help us by His Holy Spirit to have this resolve when we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the grave after three days. God will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us the ability to be purposed to continue in our relationship with Him and Him alone.
Next time Daniel shares how, “Nebuchadnezzar” was “full of fury”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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