“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits.” (Daniel 3:1) This 90 foot tall by 9 feet wide solid gold image was a tribute to the great king Nebuchadnezzar. People from all around gathered around to worship this great image, “…a herald 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 you have set up…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? (They replied) 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.” (Daniel 3:12-14, 17-18) We know the story, they didn’t bow down, we’re thrown in by guards, who died getting so close to the exceedingly hot furnace, and were seen dancing around with a fourth person (probably Jesus) then came out with no smoky smell.
“…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, WILL…” (Ephesians 6:13-14)
-Bill Stockham