Faith in the Fire

Faith in the Fire

Daniel 3:1-30

It is not unusual for government leaders to expect a certain amount of loyalty from their people. They should expect their people to be good citizens, obey the law, and pay their taxes. However, throughout history we have seen leaders who expect more than loyalty, they expect worship.

For example, we are all familiar with the Nazi salute, and the images of Adolf Hitler driving through the streets of Berlin during World War II. The German citizens would line the streets with their right arms raised in the air and shout, “Hail Hitler.”

But did you know that wasn’t optional? It was adopted by the Nazi party in the 1930’s as a sign of obedience to their leader. It was instituted as a law on July 13, 1933, by the Minister of the Interior a man named Wilhelm Frick. And by the end of 1934 the courts began to punish anyone who refused to do it.

The salute became so intertwined in the culture of everyday life that it took the place of every other form of greeting. It was as common as saying hello, or good morning.

In fact, postmen delivering mail, would knock on a door and say, “Hail Hitler.” Department store clerks greeted their customers with “Hail Hitler,’ how may I help you?

The people were brainwashed, because Adolf Hitler demanded more than loyalty, he demanded worship. And the Nazi salute was a way to tell who the independent thinkers were, who were the ones not willing to obey.

In our passage this morning we are introduced once again to King Nebuchadnezzar. He is a leader who demands more than loyalty, he demands worship. But we are also introduced to a group of independent thinkers.

We know them as Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Here in chapter 3, they are called by their Babylonian names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

They have a secret weapon on their side. They have faith. Their faith in God gives them the courage to stand up to an oppressive king.

What we learn from this story is God gives us courage to stand in faith no matter what we face in life, and the ability to trust Him regardless of the outcome. (Read 16-18)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (pray)

The third chapter of Daniel begins with conflict, and that shouldn’t surprise us because it is the theme that runs throughout the entire book. There is conflict. There is a battle of good versus evil, light verses darkness, the kingdom of man verses the kingdom of God.

The scenario changes but the plot remains the same. The question becomes will the persistent evil empire of Babylon wear down the ability of God’s people to resist? Will the pressure of the world cause them to give up on their God and let go of their faith?

Unfortunately, it’s the same question we face today. There are pressures from our culture to make us conform to a new way of thinking. And the question is will we give into the culture, and give up on our faith?

The conflict in chapter three comes because of an image King Nebuchadnezzar makes. It is a symbol of Babylon representing the kingdoms of the world. What a contrast that is to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who represent those who bare the image of God.

The issue in chapter 3 is, will those made in the image of God, created by Him, bow down to the image made by man. The answer is no, they are resolved in their faith and God carries them through the flames.

I can’t help but wonder if we would have that same kind of courage? I wonder how many of us would rationalize bowing down to the image. After all we know an idol is really nothing, why not just worship it instead of going to a fiery furnace? Well God has expressly condemned idolatry.

Exodus 20:2-5, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God.”

Daniel and his friends believed and trusted the Word of God, and they lived it without compromise. This story should cause us to examine our own heart and ask whether we have the kind of faith that can be tested in the fire?

The first thing I want you to see in this passage is the command of the King, Vs. 1-7. The king is going to issue a command, because he wants more than loyalty, he wants worship.

Notice Vs. 1, “King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.”

There has been quite a bit of time pass between chapter two and chapter three. Some scholars believe 18 years have gone by. We don’t know for sure. What we do know is Nebuchadnezzar has forgotten who the one true God is. If you remember chapter two ended with God using Daniel to interpret the king’s dream.

The king dreamed of a great statue that represented the rise and fall of the kingdoms of the world. Three kingdoms followed Babylon, and then there was a stone that destroyed the statue and became the everlasting kingdom of God.

And that brought Nebuchadnezzar to his knees. He fell on his face before Daniel and he confessed in Vs. 47, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries.” Well apparently, the only thing Nebuchadnezzar can remember about the dream is that he was the head of gold.

Because notice now the entire image he creates is of gold. This is a way of saying, “he no longer believes the dream and it’s interpretation.” He has created his own image, and now he is the entire statue. So, Nebuchadnezzar’s image is really an act of defiance against God. It is a way of saying my kingdom will never end.

This is an enormous statue the king has made. In case you haven’t brushed up on your cubits. A cubit is 18 inches, so this statue was 90 feet tall and 9 feet wide.

Apparently, it had some kind of human form to it. John MacArthur says, “The statue was meant to represent Nebuchadnezzar himself.” We don’t really know, but as tall and narrow as it was, it must have looked something like the Washington monument in our nation’s capitol.

The fact that it is placed in the Plain of Dura is significant because remember, this is the land of Shinar where another building project took place. In Genesis chapter 11 the tower of Babel, was built here.

Nimrod was trying to make a name for himself, by building a tower that would reach to the heavens. God destroyed it and confounded the language of the people.

So, in many ways Nebuchadnezzar’s statue is reminiscent of the Tower of Babel. Notice in Vs. 7 he even gathers “all peoples, nations, and languages.”

We see the great pride in Nebuchadnezzar building the image, now we hear his great pride as he issues this command. Notice Vs. 3-5, 3 Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.”

This was more than a ribbon cutting ceremony. This was more than a dedication of a building project. This was a worship service. He calls together all the officials, of all the provinces, throughout all of the kingdom. Some have estimated this gathering numbered in the thousands, tens of thousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands.

Notice there is an atmosphere of celebration. He has an orchestra there, with horns and stringed instruments. And when the music sounds the command is this; everybody is to bow down and worship this image. Those who refuse to bow down, the penalty is death.

Notice Vs. 6, “And whoever does not fall down, and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” So, this is not optional. This is not voluntary. This is a command, and sure enough, Vs. 7 tells us that is exactly what they did. They fell down and worshipped the image.

What is important to note is Nebuchadnezzar was not demanding the Jews or anyone else give up worshipping their gods. His command was that his gods be recognized, that they deserved to be worshipped too.

I can’t help but think how this command could easily be a law passed by congress, or a policy from a company, or a requirement of a university.

Those in positions of power may not force you to stop worshipping Jesus if you worship their gods. Already some of us are being forced to bow down and compromise at the altar of sexual immorality, Gender identity, and social equity. Our faith is under constant attack in this world. So, the conflict continues between the kingdom of man and the kingdom of God only we are in the battle now.

The next thing I want you to see in this passage is the Accusations of the Chaldeans, Vs 8-15. There are three young men who cannot bow down to this image. They worship the one true God, and they know this is idolatry. They are going to obey God rather than man.

Notice Vs. 8 says, “Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews.” Then after reminding the king of his command, look at what they do in Vs. 12, 12 “There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

This is obviously an act of jealousy and envy. What is interesting to me is the only reason these Chaldeans are still alive is because Daniel saved their lives in Chapter two.

The king wanted them destroyed. Daniel rescued the wisemen of Babylon with a vision from God, and this is how they repay him. This is the way the world shows its gratitude to believers.

We don’t know where Daniel is in this moment, but he is clearly not at the dedication of this image.

However, it is obvious the wisemen resented the fact that these Hebrews were put in charge of the affairs of Babylon. So, they accuse them before the king, knowing the king would become enraged by their disobedience.

Notice Vs. 13-15, “Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So, they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”

What is interesting here is the king is outraged over their disobedience, but did you notice he gives them a second chance. He says, “is this true, why won’t you bow down to my image?”

Perhaps Nebuchadnezzar even liked the Hebrew boys. After all, he had a lot invested in them, He knew they were blessed by God, and they were ten times better than all the wisemen of Babylon.

However, he couldn’t stand for any act of disobedience. He must suppress this immediately. The threat level is serious, you either bow or you burn. There is no other option for them.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego represent us in this story. They were exiles living in a foreign land and they refused to compromise their faith. The world hated them for it.

We can expect the same thing to be true in our life. When you live by your convictions and refuse to worship the idols of the world, (Hollywood, Washington D.C) they will hate you for it. So, don’t be surprised when the pressure begins mount and the consequences begin to rise. This always happens to those who want to live by faith.

1 Peter 4:12 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Indeed all who desire to live a Godly life in Christ will be persecuted.” Jesus said in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account, Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”

In other words, when people hate you for living for Christ wear it like a badge of honor.

Before we go any further, I want you to notice Nebuchadnezzar’s final question in Vs. 15, “Who is the god who will save you from my hand.”

Nebuchadnezzar obviously doesn’t know who that God is, because he is challenging Him here. He clearly thinks his power to destroy is greater than God’s power to save.

How ironic is that? God had already delivered Daniel and all the wisemen of Babylon from the king. And I want you to know that God has the power to deliver you from whatever challenges you face in life as well.

There is nothing more powerful than the cross of Jesus Christ, and the salvation that comes through it. He has the power to save you, forgive you, and set you free, not only in this life but for all of eternity.

Christ gives us courage to stand in faith no matter what we face in life, and the ability to trust Him regardless of the outcome.

The next thing I want you to see in this passage is the courage of the faithful, Vs. 16-18, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

When we read this story, we can’t help but be impressed by the extraordinary courage and faith of these men. But the truth is this can be the response of all of God’s people.

We can have such a knowledge of God and His love for us we are able to say with confidence, “I know my God can deliver me.” We can also be submitted to His will and say, “But even if He does not, I will trust Him anyway.” I am reminded of the story of Job who lost his entire family in one day, and he sat down and he said, “Though He slay me, yet I will hope in Him.”

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood before the most powerful man in the world and said, “we trust God’s power and His purpose for our life, regardless of the outcome.”

It is important we understand Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego could not defend themselves against the accusation. It was true, they refused to bow down to the image. So, this becomes a great testimony and confession to the one true God. Nebuchadnezzar asked, “who is the God who will deliver you from my hand?” and they answered, “Our God is able to deliver us.”

We can have that same testimony today, Paul teaches us in Eph. 3:20, “Now unto him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work with in us.” It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can have confidence in God’s ability to save us and trust the will of God, if He doesn’t.

On January 8, 1956, Jim Elliot (28) was the first of five missionaries killed trying to evangelize the Waodani tribe of Ecuador. His most famous quote is, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” His mission in life was to see people saved and he echoed the words of Jesus from Matthew 16:26, “What does it prophet a man to gain the world but to lose his soul.” And the answer is nothing. There is no prophet from the world but there is a reward in heaven for faithfulness.

Jim’s wife Elizabeth and their young son would finish the work he started. They made contact with the tribe and led them to Christ and the very man who killed their husband and father became the Pastor of the church in Ecuador.

God has a purpose and a plan for your life. There is something He wants to accomplish in you and through you and there is not a furnace in this world that can prevent that. And know this, when God’s plan is accomplished whatever fire you face is a doorway to heaven and the everlasting presence of God.

The final thing I want you to see in this passage is the rescue of God’s people, Vs. 19-30. God does deliver His people and there isn’t even a hair on their head burned.

Notice Vs. 24-25, “Then king Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his councilors, did we not cast three men bound into the fire? They answered and said to the king, “True o king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”

Now by this time the furnace has been heated up 7 times hotter than usual. The three Hebrews have been thrown into the fire. Nebuchadnezzar was in such a hurry, some of his body guards were burned to death in the process.

I think we have become so familiar with this story that it doesn’t surprise us anymore. Some of us have heard this since we were kids in Sunday School. But Nebuchadnezzar was certainly surprised. He was astonished by what he saw.

He leaped off the throne and ran to look inside the furnace. The charred remains of his soldiers were proof the furnace was working and yet Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are completely unharmed by the flames. In fact, they’re not alone. There is one that looks like the son of god with them.

But who is this fourth person? Many scholars believe this is a Theophany or an Old Testament pre incarnation of Christ. It might be, but typically when a Theophany would appear He would speak as God and be worshipped as God, and we don’t necessarily see that here.

Some scholars believe this was an angel sent by God. Nebuchadnezzar even mentions that in Vs. 28 he says, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who has sent His angel and delivered His servants.” We will read of angels appearing later in the book of Daniel.

The truth is we really don’t know, but what is important is this was a heavenly being sent by the power of God to protect His people. And that should fill us with great hope and encouragement to know that God’s presence is always with us.

One of the greatest promise in the Bible. is the He will never leave us, nor forsake us, but He is always with us wherever we go no matter what we face. we never face it alone. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us!!!

So, the question is how do we hold to our faith in God in a world that is constantly putting pressure on us to compromise? It is not something we can do in the spur of a moment. It must be something predetermined in our mind.

We must be determined to obey God rather than man. We must be absolutely confident enough to say, “I know my God can deliver me.” Yet be surrendered enough to His will to say, “But even if He doesn’t, I will trust Him.”

We do that by living in His presence in 4 ways.

By studying His Word for the assurance it gives us in our heart.

By going to Him in prayer for the answers we don’t understand.

By remaining connected to His people through the fellowship of the church.

And worshipping Him by the way we live our life.

The easy thing for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to do would have been compromise. Anyone could rationalize bowing down to this image as not being worth dying for. But they saw living for God as being more important than life itself and they were rewarded for it.

What we learn from this story is God gives us courage to stand in faith no matter what we face in life, and the ability to trust Him regardless of the outcome.