In the book of Daniel of the Hebrew Bible, we read that King Nebuchadanezzar built a gold statue 90 feet high and 9 feet wide and invited all the important officials of his kingdom for the inauguration of this statue. He further decreed that people of all nations speaking all languages to bow down before it when the horns are horned, calling for 'unity' of all people in his Babylon provinces. Those that did not bow will be thrown into a furnace of fire, the king commanded.
Three bold and courageous people named Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego resisted such a move and did not yield to bowing down to the golden statue. They stood firm in affirming their faith in God they believed and did not care to be thrown into the fire furnace as a punishment. To all their surprise, they saw four people walking in the fire, for God of justice came on their rescue and saved them from being burnt in the fire. The king had to eventually praise the God these three men believed and made them as provincial officials in his kingdom.
When the world's tallest statue has been inaugurated in India today, which is to "answer those who question India's existence", i read king Nebuchadanezzar's inauguration of a golden statue. Nebuchadanezzar's statue reminds that the strength of any kingdom is not in the heights of a statue, but in the depths of exercising justice and peace to all its citizens. The farmers who are protesting the inauguration of the world's tallest statue deserve to own their lands and deserve justice. For God of justice is among and on the side of the poor farmers who have been displaced from their home land. Shadrach, Meshach and Adebnego are alive even today, protesting among the tribals who are fighting for their land and dignity. God of justice is moving around them as a 'fourth person.'
Raj Bharat Patta,
Reformation Day, 2018
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/31/india-unveils-worlds-biggest-statue-sardar-patel-amid-protests
