The king had a gold statue made and set up in the middle of the large city. Every leader and official of the province gathered for its dedication.
A loud voice announced, “People of all nations, races, and languages! You will hear the sound of the trumpets, followed by the playing of . . . lyres, and harps; and then all the other instruments will join in.
As soon as the music starts, you are to bow down and worship the gold statue the king has set up” (Daniel 3, GNBUK).
The warning for anyone in rebellion to the king’s order would immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.
What if this was you or me in this situation? Would we fear the king or the King of Kings who gave His command through Moses?
Fear of the king would bring people to bow down and worship the statue.
What is the command of the King of all kings given through Moses?
Those who knew this King’s command had a decision to make.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remembered the Word of the Lord,
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
“You shall have no other gods before me . . . You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, . . . showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20: 2-6).
“And so, as soon as (the people) heard the sound of the instruments, the people of all the nations, races, and languages bowed down and worshipped the gold statue which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. “
It was told the king, “There are some Jews whom you put in charge of the province of Babylon — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — who are disobeying Your Majesty’s orders. They do not worship your god or bow down to the statue you set up.”
Daniel 3:4-18 proclaims the ancient story: The king “flew into a rage and ordered the three men to be brought before him.” They were given another chance to bow to the statue, or, “you will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”
The king asked a very good question to the three, “Do you think there is any god who can save you?”
This day is now. Who is our king, or King? Of whom do we worship and bow?
“Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways.
When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you” Psalm 128.
Do we know this King of Love? Do we know His Son? Who is this King of glory? Higher than all kings of the earth, what is His nature? His character whom we should trust?
“The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth . . . ” (Exodus 34:6,7). Do we know this King the Bible proclaims?
Let’s take a look at king Nebuchadnezzar:
He “. . . lost his temper, and his face turned red with anger at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So he ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual. And he commanded the strongest men in his army to tie the three men up and throw them into the blazing furnace. So they tied them up, fully dressed — shirts, robes, caps, and all — and threw them into the blazing furnace.”
What character did the king of the day possess? “My rule or the fire?”
What is the character of the King of Kings?
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD (Psalm 128).
Let’s witness in Daniel 3 the actions of the King above all kings:
The king asked, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the blazing furnace?”
They answered, “Yes, we did, Your Majesty.”
“Then why do I see four men walking about in the fire?” he asked.
“They are not tied up, and they show no sign of being hurt — and the fourth one looks like an angel.”
Is not the King of Kings faithful to His Word always? Has the LORD promised,
“I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” Hebrews 13: 5, AMP.
Do we know the Lord as these three men? Their position was as Psalm 118:6, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
The Lord loves each of us. However, we’re ALL separated from Him because of our sin. Yes, every single person in the world.
That is why He loved us so much to give us His Son, and to all who believe on Him, everlasting life is given from this time and forevermore.
Do we fear the LORD, Jesus? Turn to Him today, He is not only “Faithful and True,” . . . It is also said of Jesus,
“And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” Revelation 19:16.
The LORD bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children’s children.
Peace be upon Israel!
Tell someone, (or me) if today is the day you gave your life to the KING of KINGS!