“Do you ever read any of the books you burn?”
“That’s against the law!”
“Oh. Of course.”
-Ray Bradbury, in ‘Fahrenheit 451’

There is a picture in my mind after reading that, and a question. Jesus enters into that science fiction novel because I am wondering “what would Jesus do”? Surely, I could open up the new Testament and read about what Jesus did when confronted with situations where He was in opposition to “the law”…

Oh my. This morning I was struggling with where to take this. Could be a really long message because I would type, delete, type, delete. Ugg. So then it became an issue of it really might be easier just to send something out. Then I found myself reading other devotions (sounded easier than trying to be brief and concise on a topic of church and state? censorship? religious freedom?). BAMM! Here is the very next thing I read:

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

I WAS ATTENDING a worship service in another city… The opening hymn was announced and out of habit I stood up to sing.  Everyone else stayed seated.  Imagine my embarrassment!  I was the only one standing.

Shadrack, Meshach and Abed-Nego also stood alone, but for a very different reason.  King Nebuchanezzar had built a golden 90-foot statue, set it in the plain of Dura, and ordered the people to bow down and worship it when they heard the music (Dan. 3:1-5).

The music sounded and all the people put their foreheads in the dust.  Right?  Wrong!  Three young men from Israel were still standing (v. 12).  The king was furious.  He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded that the rebels be thrown in.  But they didn’t burn up.  They were seen walking around in the midst of the flames — and they were not alone.  The Son of God was in the fire with them (v. 25).

THOUGHT: As a follower of Jesus Christ, when everyone else is bowing to idols of pride, greed, lust, doctrinal compromise or prejudice, take your stand for what is right.  He promises to be with you…even when you are the only one standing.  (David C. Egner)

KneEmail: “…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.”  Dan. 3:18 NKJV