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He had overrun Jerusalem and taken the inhabitants of Israel captive.
Being top dog, he aimed at becoming top god.
That is never a successful goal.
To underline his superficial supremacy and fragile authority, he had a 90 feet high image of gold built.
Because of the flat plains, this statue would be seen for miles, glinting in the sunshine.
The Angel of the North in England is 66 feet high.
Nebuchadnezzar sends for his imperial leaders and assembles quite an orchestra.
"When the band plays, down you go.
" As soon as you hear the music, bow down and worship the golden image, and if you do not bow down, the consequences will be dire.
Cultures were colliding.
Three men held to their convictions, in an age of compromise.
Three men did not defy the decree by making a show or demonstration.
That soon came from external sources.
They just ignored the command, as unseemly.
"We cannot bow down to this.
" How easy it would have been to say, "Everybody else is bowing down.
We might as well.
" Some, who were involved in the occult, denounced the Jews, and cliped on Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Their minds were made up.
There could be no further discussion on what was fundamental.
They were thrown into a fiery furnace, and survived.
That was a known form of execution, also carried out in Scotland later.
There is a war on worship.
We read of that in the life of Jesus Christ, when the devil attempted to get the Son of God to bow down and worship him.
What stupid arrogance! "We are committed to a fair and equal Scotland.
We believe that this is the right thing to do.
" Even when 64% of those responding to your consultation wish there be no change in the traditional view of marriage? So it is a matter of faith and belief! Leaders are making history, but not in a good way.
Rejecting biblical values that have guarded the well-being of society for centuries, and defying Almighty God, and opposing godly morality, can only result in dire consequences.
Does not man's recent attitude to debt sound a warning? Be careful when considering that path.
"He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
" That is totally different.
Is the proposed legislation a path of righteousness? Joseph was a leader who rose to become Prime Minister in Egypt, without losing his integrity.
He set a worthy example.
When attacked by the temptress Joseph fled, knowing that was a wrong path.
Jeremiah faced the most severe criticism from those around him, but refused to compromise the Word of God.
Daniel and his friends exercised godly leadership when facing the fiercest opposition.
Peter had inspirational ability, and tender compassion, as he led and served, preached and wrote, as an apostle and faithful servant of Jesus.
It did land him in prison.
Paul had an anointing of God upon his life, which enabled him to fulfil his calling, but with the marks of persecution on his body.
What is at stake here is the authority and authenticity of the Word of God.
When facing the tempter, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, unashamedly quoted the Scripture, and chased the rascal.
Never be ashamed or embarrassed, nor feel intellectually inferior, for holding to the Word of God.
You will be in good company.
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