Take a stand in Him.
Do you remember how the rich young ruler didn't do that? He simply would not give up living for his wealth when he was confronted by Jesus?
It was so, So, SO SAD when he, for some lame reason or another, struggled, pondered.. and refused to quit bowing to his idol of wealth at that time.
Herr Martin Luther was once summoned to the Diet of Worms in Deutschland to answer to charges of heresy for his writings that were biblical. He was expected to retract his statements and therefore survive.
The Catholic leadership was actively selling indulgences in various parts of Germany at that time, particularly in the territories of Archbishop Albert of Brandenburg. These indulgences were being sold to raise funds for the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Therefore on April 18, 1521, Luther boldly declared: "Here I stand, I can do no other," and that statement was followed by "God help me."
These words were part of the powerful defense of his writings and sound beliefs against the Catholic Church and some powerful figures in Rome. Luther was firm in his faith and refused to recant his teachings, declaring his conscience was bound by the Word of God.
A Dominican friar named Johann Tetzel was a key figure in the indulgence-selling campaign. He was commissioned by Archbishop Albert and Pope Leo X to travel through Germany, preaching and selling them (Archbishop Albert of Brandenburg had acquired his position through significant debt, so he granted himself the privilege of selling indulgences in his territory for eight years. Martin strongly opposed this corrupt practice for it is very corrupt. A future for anyone in a fictitious purgatory never happens, and Luther's core objection was that buying indulgences falsely says that salvation could be purchased. That contradicts God's word and his belief that free salvation was only gained through repentance and faith by grace.)
Money kind of remains the shiniest statue for many people. The rich ruler gripped on tight to his coins and then walked away sad from the riches Person who ever lived!
C. S. Lewis warns, “He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.”
I’d rather have the Lord than any pallets piled high with cash that even some wealthy president could send!
Lord, help us to live right in this area of purity of heart and with integrity. Help us in the area of worship and riches that we heed not, nor with man’s empty praise; Thou and Thou only, stay first in my heart!
At Calvary the ledger flips—“My richest gain (here) I count but loss.”
Have you been there before, struggling.. in what way.. with what passion or vice? What would your friends say you talk about, or think about the most?
Dead religion can even become a luring idol--it has globally for countless masses who think it's the way to please God. DON'T BOW DOWN TO RELIGION!
When I was a young altar boy in California, I remember seeing marred stature with the nose mission for the toes worn down. I was because these stone digits had been kissed and rubbed so much. Can you imagine everyone's lips hitting the face of a stone statue representing a dead female or male saint? If those people were alive, they would be very appalled by such behavior.
The Babylonian type of furnace still blazes—only today it’s shaped like a stock portfolio, like a social-media feed, or like the relentless hum of “more, more, more!”
Jesus’ exchange with the wealthy young ruler proves that idols rob joy. The man kept his money and lost his smile.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego modeled courageous defiance: “We have no need to answer you in this matter” (Dan 3:16). They were tossed into the flames—and met a Fourth Man who still walks with anyone who refuses to kneel.
The furnace still seems to roar in our day—but the soundtrack has changed. Babylon’s trumpet is now a push-notification, yet the right reply still sounds like Russ Taff: “Not gonna bow to your idols, I won’t bow down.” Shadrach’s confidence echoes through Daniel 3, reminding us that the Fourth Man still keeps company with those who stand tall.
Modern idolatry is subtler but no less real. George Barna’s 2025 American Worldview Inventory reveals that only 4 percent of U.S. adults hold a biblical worldview, while 92 percent craft a pick-and-mix spirituality; more than 5 million openly worship Satan and 50 million venerate Mary.
Money remains the preferred golden calf it would seem. Charles Spurgeon warned, “Money is a good servant, but a bad master.. If we make money our god, it will rule us like the devil.” So heartless and cruel!
Culture’s statistics underline Scripture’s warning. Barna’s 2025 American Worldview Inventory shows only 4 percent of U.S. adults hold a biblical worldview, while 92 percent mix and match beliefs.
Even inside the church, 37 percent of believers prefer “solo discipleship” and 41 percent say their faith is entirely private. (barna.com) Isolation and idolatry walk hand-in-hand.
So how do we each live un-bent when tempted to bend?
Spot the idol in your world early before others do—please don't lay down, it really doesn't own you (See Mk 10:21).
Trade it in for real treasure if you've been bowing—invest where moth and rust corrupt or even reach. Heaven (See Mt 6:19-21).
Link arms with the Lord when you feel even slightly tempted to bow—biblical discipleship with prayer and the Holy Spirit involved multiplies courage in saints.
Sing of Bible truth daily, sing the praises to Jesus—lyrics shape loves in people. Echo what Isaac Watts sang: “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”
Keep marching forward following the Lord where He leads you—“Though none go with me, still I will follow..no turning back.”
One day every knee will bow to Christ our King even if the person doesn't prefer to!
"..so that at the name of Jesus [a]every knee shall bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10-11 amp
It's far better to stand with Christ now than to bend before gods at anytime.. that cannot save even one. “Not gonna bow”—let that be our own anthem as we walk untainted even in fierce trials, in the company of the Fourth Man.
Mr. Barna also notes that roughly two in five Christians opt out of any discipleship community, squeezed out by crowded calendars.
How to live un-bent. Spot it early, identify it, reject it firmly.
During the 80's I remember hearing Russ Taff live sing about this in Rockwall, Texas:
"Ninety feet tall and nine feet wide, solid gold,
“It must be a god,” they were told,
“When you hear the music play fall on your knees and begin to pray,” they were told,
But when the trumpet sounded the whole world bowed,
Three men stood there all alone, they said…
Not gonna bow to your idol,
We won’t bow, oh no,
Not gonna bow to your idol,
We won’t bow, oh no.
All Bobby wanted was just to fit in.
To be accepted he must act like them – He said, “No,”
“Everybody does it, so what’s the fuss?
Come on, Bobby, won’t you be like us?” – He said, “No,” (no)
And when the pressure came he watched them bow,
Bobby stood there all alone, he said…
Not gonna bow to your idol,
I won’t bow, oh no, (no)
Not gonna bow to your idol,
I won’t bow, oh no, (I won’t bow)
We won’t bow to your idol, (we won’t bow)
We won’t bow, oh no, (no)
Not gonna bow to your idol,
We won’t bow down no more. (no more)
We don’t have to give in to it,
We can choose to go against the crowd.
Not gonna bow to your idol, (we won’t bow)
We won’t bow, oh no, (no)
Not gonna bow to your idol,
We won’t bow down no more, (no more)
Not gonna bow to your idol, (we won’t bow)."
Does the Church today need a fresh new soundtrack of: WE AIN'T BOWIN' DOWN, NO NEVER AND NOT FOR ANYONE. We'll bow before the Lord alone in worship!
In truth, Russ Taff's can't get old for me. He shouted, “Not gonna bow to your idol.. we won’t bow down no more!”
“I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold,” and Isaac Watts invites us to lay it all down, all that we used to live for BC.. “all the vain things that charm me most” right there at the foot of the cross.
I also remember hearing Keith Green sing about such no-compromise boldness then, in the face of the masses gone whacko with misworshipping.
Let's walk in righteousness. Let's stand and not fall over.. the Lord being our helper we can stand for Him through anything confronting us. He will assist and grace us to stand, because he never bowed.
Firmly decided in your heart early on, let's never bow down even a little bit before other gods! No matter what very beautiful type of God-created music they put with this practice.
What does the Bible tells us of this? "..Some of the astrologers went to the king and informed on the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “Long live the king! 10 You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments. 11 That decree also states that those who refuse to obey must be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.”
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? 15 I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
19 Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. 20 Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. 22 And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. 23 So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames.
24 But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied.
25 “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” Daniel 3:8-25 nlt
Was that a preincarnate turnout for the Son of God in their furnace? I think it was.
Remember "Rack, Shack and Benny", those popular personalities in the VeggieTales episode, that represented the real folk "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego"?
What I really like regarding those three men in the Bible is this: None of them even had to ask of God to be delivered from that HOT FIRE, but He did that for them just the same.
This event back in the day involves three types of people, all of whom are still in our world today so to speak. There are the:
Conformers (See Dan. 3:1–7). Nebuchadnezzar was not content inside himself to be merely the “head of gold” (2:38); Nebby wanted to be represented by a whole huge image of gold! And how crazy is it that the sheeple were happy to conform to his demands and desires just as long as he spared their lives and gave them what they needed.
The Apostle Paul told believers: "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." Rom. 12:1-2
Informers (Dan. 8–12). These types of folk were some of the Chaldeans whose lives Daniel and his friends had resecued. Unsaved people really do not appreciate what believers do for them because they still have an old nature inside. These men wanted only to win the king’s favor and get the high offices he had given to the three Jews (2:49).
You must be reborn cuz you and I weren't born right inside the first time. Remember in John 3:2 when Nic at night came inquiring about eternal life? Yes, Nicodeamus actually, "came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.” 3Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
Transformers (Dan. 13–30; Rom. 12:1–2). The three men did not know for sure if God would help or deliver them; but even if God did not, they would still stand and obey the Lord. They would firmly refuse to worship the king and his dumb idol. Did they have certain OT Scriptures in mind. Where did they get such strength? Were they trusting Isaiah 41:10 and 43:2? The fire only burned off the bonds. They were bound up, but no more. Yes, the fire brought them two blessings: the Lord came and walked with them, and they were completely set free from those bonds. Fellowship and freedom are often found in the midst of fiery trails like when that furnace. I can happen if you are fully committed to the Lord.
Do you know what the definition of idolatry is? Idolatry extends beyond the worship of idols, paintings, other images and false gods. Our modern idols are many and varied. Flawed people love to worship other flawed people.. like from Hollywood, or from a pop band.
What does it all mean in the Word and when will it happen that every knee shall bow to the Lord?
Idols that are worshiped by the nations might be elaborate with gold an jewels. God is God and there is no other (See Isaiah 45:5–6, 18, 22). Those who turn from all their sin, yes from their idols to Christ will be saved. Why is idol worship such a powerful temptation for people?
In the end, however, it doesn't matter what empty pleasure we chase after or what idol -- or which false god we bow to. All that will matter in the end is what we did with God the Father's Son, Jesus Christ.
Where was Daniel when his three friends were thrown into that really hot fiery furnace?
The three brave Hebrews tooke a stand against the king of Babylon. They refused to bow to that idol, and they were then thrown into a burning fiery furnace -- it was because they loved God. Now why is God a jealous God even in our day?
In these verses, God spoke of people making idols and bowing down and worshiping those idols instead of giving God the worship that He rightly deserves. Can you remember the true meaning of the second commandment in the OT?
Idol worship was rampant among the nations surrounding Israel back in the day. Most of those nations had carved images to which they gladly bowed to, gladly sacrificed to.. even with some of their children. What was that sacred stone in Leviticus all about?
... idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD ...
Is religious iconography considered idolatry? What even is an icon? You see these types of pictures when you travel around Europe for sure.
According to the Reformers of old, the veneration of statues and icons and other old religious artifacts was simply idolatry plan and simple, and they were right! Stop it, they save no sinners. Turn from that foolishness to Christ. He loves you and that stone does not. Any praying to Mary or to a dead or to a living other saint...any kissing of that, or bowing down to it or to a picture on the wall.. it's just wrong.
