The message that I take from Daniel 3 is simple -
You will not be saved outside the fire - you actually will be save in the midst of the fire.
We all know Daniel 3 continue a long story from this king who did not really understand that God is God of all gods, he may have said it with his own mouth, but soon ( like all of us) return to thinking that he is the one who is all powerful (God' forgive us).
God gives this man a pivotal role in the earth's history. However, he got a little to hot tempered, went and built his own golden image ( imaging the value of this image today, with gold at $1500US an oz.).
This was huge ( threescore cubits), even if it was 3 scores feet - that would be 60 feet high, and we all know a cubit is much longer than a feet. Some say 2 to 3 feet.
Anyhow this was a huge Golden image, image when the sun strike on this.
Bottom line, he made another decree - that all should worship. ( FORCE)
Notice the words of the bible : Daniel 3: 4,5,6
You will not be saved outside the fire - you actually will be save in the midst of the fire.
We all know Daniel 3 continue a long story from this king who did not really understand that God is God of all gods, he may have said it with his own mouth, but soon ( like all of us) return to thinking that he is the one who is all powerful (God' forgive us).
God gives this man a pivotal role in the earth's history. However, he got a little to hot tempered, went and built his own golden image ( imaging the value of this image today, with gold at $1500US an oz.).
This was huge ( threescore cubits), even if it was 3 scores feet - that would be 60 feet high, and we all know a cubit is much longer than a feet. Some say 2 to 3 feet.
Anyhow this was a huge Golden image, image when the sun strike on this.
Bottom line, he made another decree - that all should worship. ( FORCE)
Notice the words of the bible : Daniel 3: 4,5,6
4 Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:
6 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
1. clear command -or policy
2. clear expectation to take by the subjects
3. clear sanction for non compliance.
But look at the whole thing - it is called FORCE worship, it is not some kind of deception or brain washing to get the nation to worship the image. It is FORCE worship. Clear as crystal.
Not this is important in our study of revelations - where the angel calls for true free choice in worship. Worship the Lord God Only.
We know what happen - the three young men are thrown into the fire - and Jesus is with then - having a little chat.
While the fire consumes the men who went to thrown them into the fire.
Funny thing is that the King is not once again having his first hand experience of the True and Living God.
Maybe this time he will change and start making the right move....
See you next week as we study Daniel and his friend.
Would there be a form of forced worship on people in this era?
Are you free to worship presently?
Is worshiping God fixed to some time, place or event?
We should ask ourselves these question?
We should ask more so, Am I worshiping God or someone else - unawares?
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