Daniel

July 25

Daniel 3:1-7

The super-idol

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon decided to have a huge golden statue put up. He ordered his workers to make it, and when it was ready, he invited officials from all over the country to come and see it.

When everyone had gathered—including Daniel’s three friends—there was a loud announcement: “People of all nations, races and languages; when you hear the sound of the trumpets followed by the music from the other instruments, you are to bow down and worship the golden statue. Anyone who does not bow to the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up will be thrown into the blazing furnace.”

And so, as soon as the people heard the sound of the instruments, they bowed down and worshipped the golden statue.

Is it wrong to admire a hero or superstar?

If you could get a huge autographed poster of the person you admire most, who would you choose? People may admire someone for their courage, their ability to lead, their physical strength, or for some other reason.

King Nebuchadnezzar had had a dream about a statue (see Daniel 2:37). Maybe that gave him an idea to get the people to worship him like an idol. So he made them bow down to the statue as if they were bowing down to him.

It is not wrong to look up to someone who is great or famous; but it is wrong to admire someone who is ungodly and then do the wrong things he or she does.

However, to follow the role model of a godly person is a good thing. Paul even told others to follow his example (Philippians 3:17). But remember, even good people are human. Jesus alone deserves our worship and adoration!

Verse for today

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10