About Face Arrogance
Read and reflect on Daniel chapter 3.
I find this story amusing after we see some humility from King Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 2. The king definitely struggles with arrogance. I think all emperor types who are ruling the whole known world would struggle with thinking too highly of themselves.
King Nebuchadnezzar sets up a gold image of himself to be bowed down to and worshipped by all those in his kingdom.
Hmmm, do you think this may have something to do with the king’s visions he has already had?
He is creating a monument to himself of himself, which would have been common in those times. The fact is his own likeness makes you realize he is pretty in love with himself and his status.
How about today? Can you think of any current monuments leaders have erected to signal their power and status? I think of a few including the Apple logo, the Amazon logo, and the many giant skyscrapers in our large cities.
Anyone not worshipping was to be thrown into a fiery furnace. Political intrigue begins. Those opposed to the Jews looked for an opportunity to cause them harm. They immediately notice Daniel’s three friends did not bow down and they report it to the king.
The king was furious, and the three friends were brought before the king. The king says in verse 15 “what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” I added the emphasis to show the kings arrogance.
The friends respond and say that their God is able to rescue but even if he does not, they will not worship any god but the living God. The king is so angry at this point he heats the furnace up 7x hotter and has the friends tossed in.
Nebuchadnezzar is astounded to see the friends untied and walking around the furnace with a fourth person who is God or one of his angels (many Bible scholars’ belief it was the preincarnate Christ)! Nebuchadnezzar calls them out of the furnace and not a hair on their bodies was harmed.
He proclaims that anyone who says anything against this Most High God will be cut to pieces and their houses made rubble! He reacts with a quick and humbling ‘about face’ recognizing God’s power over his own.
Do we sometimes let our own arrogance set us up as mightier than God? I know I have been caught doing this. What is God doing in your life to bring you down off the mountain of arrogance? A fiery furnace miracle is unlikely today. Maybe a real friend speaking truth about your behavior is more likely! Are you willing to listen?
Blessings,
Ellen
