Perfectly Displaced: Faithful Protest

Recap: Removed, given new names, and opportunities to enjoy the pleasures of Babylon.

God is capable to establish his plan through evil nations and groups or people.

To this point, Daniel and his three friends have passed every test without an issue until Chapter 3.

And in this passage, we have the opportunity to understand how to faithfully protest against evil and oppression.

READ (DANIEL 3:1-7)

1. World Peace and Unity is a Breeding Ground for Oppression.

King Neb had a 90 foot statue built to consiladate his power.

Various leaders of Babylon were gathered..

The kingdom spread from Ethiopia to India.

Many nationalities and languages.

The Jews were from the only nation in the world that have found this edict oppresive.

“fall down” An act of homage.

King Nebs attempt to gain the public’s recognition was proof of his pride.

His ego was disproportionate like the statue.

Holidays - “I want everything to be just right.” Artificial Happiness.

Babylon wanted complete submission for the sake of “unity”.

Fear does not create peace and unity.

“World Peace”, “Equality”, and “Unity” according to cultures standard do not produce good fruit. These words require sincerity. A true commitment to add value to the lives of other people.

Artificial representations.

“Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15-16)

We gain peace when we let Christ serve as ruler of our life, church, and society.

READ (Daniel 3:16-18)

2. Faithful Protest is Unwavering.

“We don’t need to give you and answer to this question.”

Fear mongering and arguring would not shake these men from their principles.

They placed their life in God’s hands.

Their faith in God’s ability to deliever them was strong.

“He can rescue...”

They believed in God’s ability to rescue them.

“But if he doesn’t...”

They would not regret the decision. They were prepared to accept the consequences.

“Even if he kills me, I will hope in him. I will still defend my ways before him.” - (JOB 13:15)

Polycarp

We don’t know how our life on earth is supposed to end, but we do know that those who trust in the name of Jesus have eternal life.

Jesus calls faithful followers to pledge allegiance to God’s kingdom.

The goodness of God is awesome and his influence supercedes the worlds influence.

Clear vision that rests on the promises of God can withstand all forms of oppression.

READ (DANIEL 3:24-30)

3. Faithful Followers are Delivered.

The 3 men were not alone.

“son of the gods”

Generally referred to spiritual beings sent from God.

Someone was sent by God to stand in the fire with them.

King Neb made a statement that elevated the God of the Jews above his own gods, but not himself.

Though Nebs decision was bound on earth, his power was far from absolute.

We sing songs of deliverance all the time. We must remember that Jesus was not delivered.

“3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him. 4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains; but we in turn regarded him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds. 6 We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished him for the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:3-6)

There was another in the fire for Shad, Mesh, and Abe, but not for Jesus.

The fire of our sin consumed his body. He felt the heat of our disobedience so that we could be delivered.

The oppression we face is not compared to hte fires of Hell. The godless do know not what they face, but Christian do.

“26 “Therefore, don’t be afraid of them, since there is nothing covered that won’t be uncovered and nothing hidden that won’t be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light. What you hear in a whisper, proclaim on the housetops. 28 Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:26-28)

Christians stand up against oppression but our God is mightier.