Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

Daniel 3:4-7

Your Challenge

There are two heralds you will always hear every morning you wake up from your bed. You will hear the earthly herald and the heavenly herald.

The former is loud and brash. He directs your way and what you should do. He enforces his proclamation with threats of severe consequences, which are dire. He drives fear through your spine and finally commands you to worship the things the “ruler of the kingdom of the air” has set up for “those who are disobedient” (Eph. 2:2).

The latter is gentle and speaks softly. He points to the firm route that leads to eternal life and encourages you to walk in it to victory. He issues no threats. Rather, He alerts you to the dangers and snares in the way and assures you of His presence to see you through them. 

“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14)

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isa. 30:21).

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego heard the two heralds when they stood before King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 3:14-15). The furnace blazed before them. 

“But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” (15).

Yet, they chose to listen to the voice of the heavenly Herald. 

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isa. 43:2).

You know the end of the story. 

So, which of the two heralds will you heed this morning and every day of your life?

Shalom and good morning