The Furnace

3 Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.

Daniel 3:3-5 (ESV)

What are you worshiping? Each day we start out we place priorities on the activities we will engage in. If it is a Saturday and we don’t have to work our priorities will be different than on a Monday when getting to work on time is our concern. In the Testimony of Daniel we read about King Nebuchadnezzar and we see what was important to him. He desired to be worshiped as if he was the high king and that all the subjects should bow to him. The Key words you see though are, “set up.” This honor he believed he was due was because he made it a priority and set in place the requirement that people worship him. Having forgotten what Daniel had told him when he had had the dream. That God had placed him on his thrown.  I often wonder what have I set up that prevents me from worshiping  God who gives me Breath each day and allows me to have some control over what I do. Do I show Him the honor that is due Him? Does He have the highest priority in my life or does He run in the middle or bottom of the things I worry about? After all He’s God what does my Worship really mean to Him.

6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.”

Daniel 3:6 (ESV)

Well Nebuchadnezzar had a fiery furnace prepared for those who would not bow down and worship. Scripture tells us there is a place like that for those who will not worship the one true God Jehovah.

10 Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Rev 20:10 (NLT)

 Yet it was not made for man it was made for the great tempter Satan and all of those followed him into rebellion against God. If man goes there it is by their choice not to accept the salvation found in a relationship with Christ. I ask you only one question is the one who gives you breathe each day not worthy of your worship. What have you set up in His place? I pray God has the proper place in your life as you walk in the light of His Word.