Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Here I am to worship Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Daniel 3:14-15 Daniel 3:14-15 King Nebuchadnezzar said: "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you will not serve my god, or worship the golden statue that I set up? Be ready now to fall down and worship the statue I had made, whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe, and all the other musical instruments; otherwise, you shall be instantly cast into the white-hot furnace. "And who is the God who can deliver you out of my hands?" NOT a rhetorical question. Surprise, O King, surprise. These intrepid Daniel-diet warriors stand firm and are rescued by their God. They are delivered from fire and "certain" death. Not only that, but Nebuchadnezzar is humbled, at least for the moment. He sees through his hubris toward the Israelites' vision of the true God. One of Satan's most famous lies is "You are what you are. You cannot change. You are hopeless." That lie quickly morphs into: "Things are as they are. They cannot change. They are hopeless." This only seems true. It isn't. Northern Iowa knew that when they played Kansas and won. Ron Williamson, convicted of a murder he didn't commit, was minutes from execution when the governor agreed to a stay. He was eventually freed. The truth is, people and situations change all the time. The best part of the three Hebrews' testimony comes a few verses later, "And even if he does not save us" ... they are not replacing their God with a golden statue. It doesn't really matter what happens to them. They have put God's worship ahead of their own survival. And once they do that, they won't back down. Their fear is displaced by resolve and courage. Fear is a great example of an emotion that comes ... and goes. Change takes place. Here's an acronym I've heard using the word FEAR: Face Everything And Recover. When I was a kid I learned to shiver when I was cold, and when I was afraid. Rather than trying not to shiver, I purposely shivered harder. That helped me move from being cold, and from being afraid. Many of Jesus' parables indicate how much God rewards initiative. This story certainly bears that out. Choose to worship God, and let the chips fall where they may. When you put your hand on my head, Lord, it is to bless me. Let me be blessed. When you put your arms around me, Lord, it is to love me. Let me be loved. When I am hiding and you tell me to hold my head up, Lord, let me hear you clearly and Just Do It. "; Add      Edit    Delete