Today's Favorite Verse: Daniel 3:12
"There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up."
I reflected on how the act of religious devotion turned into political treason. Then for others their politics became a religion that they bowed down and worshipped because a man told them to. No where in this story do they say who that golden image represented. Only that Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold and set up. As I pondered on who the statue was, it made me wonder if it was an image of himself?
Then I recalled the dream Nebuchadnezzar had, that was revealed to Daniel. He saw a great image of a man, with sections made from various metals and clay. The image's head was of fine gold. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar "Thou art this head of gold". So yes, I believe the image that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream he made in reality as an image of himself. This all went to his head. He not only took over the other parts of the body but he made it completely represent himself. Then others had to worship it. He was even willing to destroy others politically, or religiously in life or death. How very telling to know what kind of man would have an golden idol made of himself, or allowed one to be kept. That must be something we are warned about for our day. I take comfort in knowing this idol is eventually destroyed. Those that worship the true God, and not the idol are protected and not destroyed.
