Topic: We will not bow to semi-gods; You alone we will serve.
Texts: Dan. 3:16-18; Josuah 24:15.
EXPOSITION:
A declaration such as we are making and praying about today is not such that is made as a lip-service thing, but one that must be made with our minds made up that come what may, we will not bow, we will not serve any other god apart from the living God of heaven and earth. God will endow us the strong will in this regard.
In chapter 24 of the Book of Joshua where Joshua was presenting his valedictory address to the children of Israel after having led them to the Land of Promise; it was time for him to leave the scene of leadership. In this address, he took the people down memory lane, recounting the wonderous things God had done for them, how He delivered them form bondage of the Egyptians, leading them through the Red Sea, guiding and guarding them in their travails in the wilderness till He finally brought them to the land flowing with milk and honey.
Joshua charged them to think of all these and encouraged them to choose to serve God rather the pagan gods of their new environment; but if they choose otherwise, he vouched as recorded in verse 15 that “…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This stance is worthy of emulation particularly in our contemporary times when many mundane, ephemeral things are beckoning our attention. May God empower us to be able to make a declaration like this.
Another instance of people daring the devil to declare for God is found in Daniel chapter 3 where three young Hebrews defiled the order of king Nebuchadnezzar that people should bow to his image. As a penalty, anyone who refused would be to be thrown into a burning fiery furnace. These three Hebrews boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were so audacious to say to the king’s face thus: “O, Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace…But if not, let it be known to you, O, king that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Anyone who chooses to stand for God and for Him only against all odds, without doubt, God will stand for that person, defend him against any attack. Grace, strong will, courage and boldness to choose God over and above any power will come upon on this season in the name of Jesus. God bless you. SHALOM.
