STATUE AND IMAGE WORSHIP VS TRUE WORSHIP
"But if not . .
." Dan. 3:18
That is a very incomplete quotation, but it
introduces us to faith in its finest expression. The chapter tells the story of
Nebuchadnezzar's pride. In the dream which Daniel had interpreted to him he had
been described as the head of gold in the colossus of world-power. He now set
up an image of gold. We are not told that it was intended to represent a god;
and the probability is that it was rather intended to represent his own power. All
were commanded to prostrate themselves before it and worship. Daniel does not
appear in this story, but his three comrades, with whom he had sought
fellowship in prayer, are here. Here was a test for their loyalty to the God of
their fathers, and to His law, which strictly FORBADE THE YIELDING OF WORSHIP
TO ANY IMAGE WHATSOEVER (STATUES) 2nd Commandment. “You
shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or
on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or
worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the
children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those
who hate me, but showing love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me
and keep my commandments.” They are definitely not aids for worship although many think they do for they misrepresent. There was no hesitation on their
part. They refused, and were brought before the king. To him, in language full
of respect for him, but inspired by complete loyalty to God, they declared that
there was no need to answer; their position was known. They declared further to
the proud monarch that God was able to deliver them, and affirmed their
confidence that He would do so. That was a splendid faith. But it went further
as they said: "But
if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor
worship the golden image which thou have set up." That is faith
at its highest. Deliverance is to be desired, and expected; but if it comes
not, still there can be no abandonment of the One true God. Death, as the
result of loyalty to Him, is preferable to deliverance, at the price of
denying Him. This is the faith which overcomes the world. “But
the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the
Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God
is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John
4:23-24)
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