Why should we refuse to worship idols? Commandments #1,2,3: “You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol. You must not bow down to them or worship them…” (Exodus 20:3-5) “Do not love (agapaō: God’s love) the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God LIVES FOREVER.” (1 John 2:15-17)
“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image (idol) of gold, whose height was sixty cubits (90 feet) and its width six cubits (9 feet).” (Daniel 3:1) This 90 foot tall statue was a tribute to the great king Nebuchadnezzar people from all around gathered around TO WORSHIP this great idol, “…a herald (messenger) cried aloud: at the time you hear the sound of all kinds of music, you shall FALL DOWN AND WORSHIP the gold image…and whoever does not fall down shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” (Daniel 3:4-6) There was a problem, some Chaldeans came forward making accusations, “There are Jews Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, DO NOT WORSHIP the gold image have set up.” (Dan. 3:12)
“Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. “Is it true, that you do not worship the gold image which I have set up? The God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, BUT IF NOT, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not worship the gold image which you have set up.” (Dan. 3:13-14, 17-18) We know the story, they didn’t bow down, they were thrown by guards, into the hotter than ever before furnace, the guards died getting so close to the exceedingly hot furnace, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were seen dancing around with a fourth person (Jesus) then came out with no effects from the flames and no smoky smell.
Because God is faithful, we must, “…put on the FULL ARMOR OF GOD, so that when the day of evil comes, you may BE ABLE TO STAND and after YOU HAVE DONE EVERYTHING, TO STAND. STAND FIRM…” (Eph. 6:13-14)
Your personal Pastor -Bill Stockham