Decide before the music begins

Decide before the music begins or else you’ve waited too late…

In Daniel 3, king Nebuchadnezzar had a golden image constructed and set up in the plain of Dura.  Nebuchadnezzar’s image is estimated to have been ninety to one-hundred feet tall. An order was given by the king to gather the princes, governors, captains, counselors, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces that they might come to the dedication ceremony of the golden image. Those called, assembled before the image and heard the following message: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” Daniel 3:4-6

The consequence of being cast into a furnace of fire for failing to worship, would certainly be motivation to fall and pay tribute. “…as soon as they heard the sound of the instruments, the people of all the nations, races, and languages bowed down and worshiped the gold statue which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.” Daniel 3:7

As the herald delivered this message, it appears that no one had time to think about or consider what to do. The command was given, the consequences spoken, and the music began. Those of pagan blood likely had no problem falling and worshipping. However, for the captive Jews, it was extremely problematic. Exodus 20:2-6

Just as with Daniel in Chapter 1, who purposed in his heart to not defile himself with the king’s meat or wine, we again see the significance of deciding beforehand, to be loyal to GOD. If we wait until the flames of the furnace are burning hot to decide, when the music begins, we will fall and worship. The flesh is weak. When my focus is on the flesh rather than the spirit, I will respond in whatever way benefits my flesh the most.

For Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the decision to bow and worship, or stand for GOD, was made long before the herald spoke, therefore, when the music played, they stood. Daniel 3:12

Decide before the music begins or else you’ve waited too late…