MONDAY November 19, 2018
Give God the Glory
Then they said, “What is the trespass offering which we shall return to Him?” They answered, “Five golden tumors and five golden rats, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines. For the same plague was on all of you and on your lords. Therefore you shall make images of your tumors and images of your rats that ravage the land, and you shall give glory to the God of Israel; perhaps He will lighten His hand from you, from your gods, and from your land.”
I Samuel 6:4-5
The Philistines were advised by the diviners to make five gold rats and five tumors––symbols of the plagues. They were to give God glory, but how can the Philistines give glory to the God of Israel when they do not believe or worship Him? I really do not know! Perhaps they were trying to play a religious role, but that would never work.
King Nebuchadnezzar sought glory for himself. He made a 90 foot, golden idol, thought to be of himself, to be worshipped. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refused to worship it and were thrown into a fiery furnace. When the king saw that these Jews were delivered from the fire, he made an incredible decree that glorified God. Throughout all the land, no one could speak against God of Israel, or there would be grave consequences, “because there is no other God who can deliver like this” (Daniel 3).
However, later on King Nebuchadnezzar became so proud, he took the glory for the greatness of his kingdom. God immediately humbled him. He was driven from men and dwelt with the beasts of the fields. The king ate grass like an ox, his body became covered with hair that looked like eagles’ feathers, and his nails grew to be like birds’ claws (Daniel 4:32-33). When King Nebuchadnezzar’s understanding returned to him after seven years, he praised the King of Heaven (Daniel 4:34-37).
It is important in our lives that we give glory to whom it is due!
Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
~Psalm 29:1-2~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!