One of the best, and in my opinion, under appreciated verses in the Bible is found in the book of Daniel chapter 3.
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, which at this point means king of the world, has decided that the best way to show how amazing he is was to have a HUGE statue of gold created and every time the music played everybody was suppose to bow down before it.
In other words, worship it.
Well, 3 boys from Judea were not about to worship this piece of gold. Going against what culture says will always get you in trouble and sure enough, the king is told and he is furious. It’s a direct attack against his authority! Three mere boys from a tiny province think they can stand against the might of Babylon, it’s plethora of gods, and her king!
Who do they think they are!?!?!
These three guys are called into the king’s presence, and being the merciful king he is, gives them one more chance to obey by worshiping his golden statue. And if they refuse they’ll be thrown into a fiery furnace from which no god can rescue them.
And this is their response “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serves is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from your majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, your majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
I love the faith these men show – maybe no other god can rescue us, but our God can and He will.
I love their honesty – maybe He won’t, but even if not, we still must obey.
How often do we try to barter with God for our obedience?
“If You do this…. then I’ll obey! If You heal my loved one, then I’ll give up this sin I’m hanging on to. If You give us more money than we’ll tithe regularly.”
What if instead we prayed, “God, would You please do this.. but even if You don’t, I know You’re still good, still worthy of worship, and I will still obey.”
These boys lives were on the line and they knew it. They didn’t doubt God’s power or God’s goodness. What they weren’t sure about was God’s plan for them. God can save us! But He may choose not to, and if He doesn’t that’s ok. We still have to obey Him.
Believer, may we come freely to God with our petitions and our requests boldly approaching the throne of grace. But may we also come with humility and realize the One before Whom we stand. He is God and we are not. And even if He tells us no, He’s still worthy of all worship and all praise.
Even if He doesn’t… He’s still God.
(sorry about the length of time between postings. In the last few months we’ve moved, had family in town, and gone away for a time to be with family. Lord-willing the rest of the summer will be more low-key)