Daniel 3 - The Lord of worship
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Big Idea:
Big Idea:
God alone is worthy of worship (because He’s the sovereign Lord in control).
Intro:
Intro:
A little over 20 years ago (on January 16, 2004), I fell down and worshiped the Lord Jesus. I know that sounds kinda weird and not how I usually talk, but as you’ll see in a little bit, I’m using that language from today’s passage.
A few months later, I was sitting in the open-air amphitheater at SDSU. The church I was attending was The Rock Church San Diego. It was a new church started by ex-NFL player Miles McPherson (who played for both the Chargers and Broncos). And in just a short time, they had 5000 people attending every weekend.
One of my favorite memories was watching people move from the parking lot to the ballroom we were using for worship on SDSU’s campus. No joke - people were RUNNING (with Bibles in hand) to church. Because no one wanted to sit in the overflow room. Everyone wanted to be in the sanctuary (the main room).
God was moving - tangibly present - and nobody wanted to miss anything! It was a really cool time to be part of that church. I’m praying God would allow us to experience that here in Glastonbury!
Anyways, back to Good Friday, the service started and I stood there as usual. Hey - when Jesus changed my life that year, He really changed my life. But I’m gonna be honest, I wasn’t really down with the worship music.
Don’t get me wrong… they had a great band. But worship was something weird for me. Singing out loud in front of other people really wasn’t my thing. I loved the Bible teaching. But for me, the music “eh.”
So, I was standing there, waiting for the worship music to END. And… they had a special musical guest: Shane and Shane. Some of you have probably heard of them. They’re amazing. So, I’m with thousands of people, God is moving, the worship music was powerful… and I’m just standing there (maybe patting the seat in front of me to the beat).
…and then, it was like God tapped me on the shoulder. And I heard Him speak to my heart, “I want you to lift your hands.” What?!? Are you kidding me? I don’t do that. And I heard a gentle but firm reply, “Am I not worthy of your worship?”
The emotions of that moment still hit me today. I knew what Jesus did for me. I knew I deserved nothing but judgment. And yet God saved me because He loves me. And I knew He was (and is) worthy of my worship.
Today, as we continue in our series through the book of Daniel, that is the main point we’re going to see today: God alone is worthy of our worship.
I’m giving you this upfront because I feel like it’s so important, that I don’t want you to miss it. If you leave today remembering anything from Daniel 3, remember that God alone is worthy of your worship.
Quick recap to catch us up:
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon is destroying Jerusalem.
He’s captured some of the best Jews and attempts to brainwash them, including Daniel and his 3 friends - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
However, these 4 Jewish men have resolved to serve the Lord no matter what. And God blesses them. That’s chapter 1.
Then, in chapter 2, Daniel does what no one else in Babylon can do - He tells the king both his dream (which was about a huge statue) and interpretation (the statue represented the future).
Nebuchadnezzar not only promotes Daniel and his 3 friends, but also praises the God of Israel for being unlike any other god.
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.
Exegesis:
Exegesis:
FYI - the dimensions of this statue are about 90ft by 9ft. Awkward shape, but likely impressive.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 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.
As we advance through the passage, we’re going to see this list of titles repeated a few times. A good Bible study principle to be aware of is when a biblical author repeats something, it’s usually intentional. Meaning, we should pay attention. And here, it is likely telling us that “everyone who’s anyone is present.” This is a big deal in Babylon.
And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 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.
Here’s another list that’s repeated in this chapter - the list of musical instruments. Two reasons for this:
There is a clear expectation being communicated. Notice the inclusion of almost every kind of instrument. The sense is, “Make no mistake… when you hear music (of any kind), that’s your cue… at that moment fall down before the statue. Is that clear?”
Music has power. I believe God designed music to pull on the strings on our hearts. This can be used for good and evil. Here it’s obviously the latter. Music makes people emotional, which also makes them compliant. Nebuchadnezzar wants something and music will help him accomplish his goal.
And what does Nebuchadnezzar want? Point number 1 for today is…
1) King Nebuchadnezzar wanted worship (vv. 1-7).
1) King Nebuchadnezzar wanted worship (vv. 1-7).
Now, if you’ve been with us during for the first two chapters of Daniel, something seems off. Maybe you remember when Nebuchadnezzar declared at the end of chapter 2…
The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.”
Daniel clearly gave him the divine interpretation of his dream. Nebuchadnezzar knows he should surrender to the Lord, who’s Kingdom lasts forever. So why in the world does he respond by building a golden statue (likely of himself) and saying, “Everyone worship me instead!”
Was his praise to Daniel’s god fake? Maybe. But can I suggest something else? Because how often are we Nebuchadnezzar?
We hear the gospel and respond!
But then, we go back to our old ways.
Does that mean our conversion wasn’t real? Maybe. The Bible does tell us that’s a possibility. But I think this might also remind us that the maturing of our faith is often a journey - a spiritual progression. We’ve all experienced this. We get it.
We get that Jesus is Lord and Savior.
But we also don’t get it.
Because we don’t immediately start living the way we should - with Him as Lord!
We need time to spiritually mature and grow.
And that also reminds me of something we discussed last year…
Without oxen a stable stays clean,
but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
One thing this verse teaches us there is a harvest. But to properly reap the harvest, you need a strong ox. But here’s the thing, a strong ox drops bombs in the stable (big poop - I know it’s been a while since I’ve said poop in church). Therefore, if you want the harvest, you must be willing to clean up the poop. In other words, following the Lord can be messy.
There is a harvest in Glastonbury. Lots of people who need Jesus and are ready to follow Him. We’ve begun experiencing that at The River Church.
But as more and more people do that, it’s gonna get messy. People are gonna do things that God’s people shouldn’t do, because it’s all new and they don’t know better -yet! They’re still learning how to live differently… sorta like Nebuchadnezzar.
So, let’s be patient with the king. And, let’s be patient with our growing church family!
Back to chapter 3, king Nebuchadnezzar continues… at the sound of music, worship me…
And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.”
Nebuchadnezzar has problems. He’s always going overboard. If you don’t tell me the dream and interpretation, you die. If you don’t worship my statue, you die. But he’s serious and everyone knows it!
Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
“Everyone who’s anyone” did exactly what the king asked. Almost everyone…
Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. They declared to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! You, O king, have made a decree, that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace. 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.”
Where the heck is Daniel? There’s a lot of speculation, but ultimately… it’s not important. If it was, the Holy Spirit would’ve given us the details. But he didn’t.
But we do see his 3 friends, Rack, Shack, and Benny (in the words of Veggie Tales) are once again showing resolve to honor the Lord no matter what. The king clearly communicated everyone must worship or die. Everyone obeys, except these 3. They resolve, “We will not worship the statue.” And the Chaldean opps saw them.
But before we continue, I want to mention something that may be helpful for us today.
Why did the Chaldeans accuse these Jewish men?
One reason is because they are jealous. All of sudden, these slaves have risen to ranks either equal to or higher than the Chaldeans. However, I think there’s also something spiritual happening…
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
What this means is that sometimes the opposition we face isn’t just a human-to-human ordeal. Conflict is often connected to spiritual darkness. There are invisible demonic forces instigating the desire to fight.
As we discussed a moment ago, some of us are new to this Jesus-thing. Some are serving Jesus in increasingly new ways. We’re taking huge steps of faith! And yet, stuff keeps going wrong. Why? One likely reason is because we’re in a spiritual battle.
Do you think the devil likes to seeing you serving Jesus as Lord?
Do you think He wants to see you living as light in the world, bringing hope to your community, and showing them the love of Christ?
Do you think he likes losing ground in Glastonbury?
No!
So, he starts what planting accusations and hate into the people around you. And out of no where, they attack you. Because you follow Jesus. And when this happens, remember what Jesus taught us…
Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you.
So, if you resolve to follow Jesus as Lord in 2024, and stuff starts going wrong, don’t give up or be naive to the enemy’s tactics. It’s likely a spiritual battle. Expect it.
And I believe that’s what’s happening to the 3 friends. The Chaldeans hate them, but it’s really Satan who hates them. And he’s planting spiritual seeds of hate into Nebuchadnezzar…
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?”
Remember, “everyone who’s anyone” is doing it. And now it’s your turn. Just bow your knee to the statue! If not, you die.
My friends, cancel culture is not new. Nebuchadnezzar did it 2000 years ago! And while this story sounds ancient and barbaric, it’s also very relevant.
Now, we may not be forced to bow to a giant golden statue, but we are pressured to conform - to bow - to what everyone else believes, thinks, or does. And if we won’t… we die. We’re canceled.
So, what will the friends do?
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 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. 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.”
These are my heroes. Their response fills me with faith and courage. But I also wonder, would I actually respond this way if I was I were in their shoes? Better yet… DO WE respond this way when we are pressure by our contemporary culture? Or do we compromise to save our lives?
This reminds me of what Jesus says…
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
500 years before Jesus said these words, Daniel’s friends already understood this truth. They followed the Lord. So they were willing to lose their lives for His sake. Because God alone is worthy of worship.
Point number 2 is…
2) Daniel’s friends will only worship God and it will cost them everything (vv. 2-23).
2) Daniel’s friends will only worship God and it will cost them everything (vv. 2-23).
Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. Because the king’s order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace.
These men were willing to die for their faith. The Lord is worthy of worship, even if that worship cost them everything. But then, something happens…
Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “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.”
How is this possible? How could they walk around in the fire unhurt? And who is this fourth person in the fire?
I think two verses we’ve already read in Daniel can help us answer these questions…
When the Chaldeans couldn’t help Nebuchadnezzar with his dream, they declared…
The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”
And we just read how the king arrogantly proclaimed…
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?”
How are they miraculously walking in the fire? And who is the fourth man? It was the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It was Daniel’s God!
It was the God who dwells with flesh.
The God who saves; yes, even out of Nebuchadnezzar’s hand!
More specifically… this man, and this miracle is, because of Jesus. He is the fourth man in the fire. This moment is what theologians call a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. It’s a time when Jesus showed up in the Old Testament.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Jesus was saving people in Babylon. Jesus saved the world on the cross. And Jesus is still saving people today. And Jesus will save people tomorrow. Which again, reemphasizes this important truth: God alone - or better yet, Jesus alone - is worthy of worship!
Point number 3……
3) King Nebuchadnezzar discovers God alone is worthy of worship (vv. 24-30).
3) King Nebuchadnezzar discovers God alone is worthy of worship (vv. 24-30).
Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them.
This is impossible. Only the Lord of all creation could do this. And when God saves the 3 friends in this specific way, He is declaring to Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon, and to the world, “I am the sovereign Lord. I control everything. I created fire. And I can say, ‘Fire, you are powerless. Do not touch my servants’” A God who can do that, is worthy of our worship.
I’ve seen this first hand. You’ve heard this story. My oldest son was born dead. When doctors finally revived Him, they said it wasn’t good. But God spoke to my heart, “I will heal your son.” Will I believe the Lord?
As we sat in the NICU and the doctor’s walked in with test results confirming our fears, “The damage is real. The damage is done. There is no hope.” God spoke again, “I am in control. And I am not subject to the doctors.” Will I believe the Lord?
I chose to believe God. And God did a miracle. And I personally discovered: God alone is worthy of worship. This is what the king discovered too.
Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
The Chaldean’s plan fails. They wanted to destroy the 3 friends. Instead, they got a promotion. The favor of God is real. Those who worship the Lord, walk in victory.
Response:
Response:
As we close today, I have one question for us to consider: Will you worship the Lord?
There are many ways to respond to this question. I want to encourage you to choose one.
You may need to finally turn from your sin and surrender your life to Jesus as Lord - like I did 20 years ago. If you will, I promise it will be the greatest decision of your life.
Worship by being faithful in small things. The reality is, we won’t jump into the fire if we won’t give $50, read Scripture for 15 minutes, or invite friend to church. Therefore, ask the Lord, “What small thing can I start being faithful in today?” Then, resolve to do it!
Similarly, what’s something that’s caused you to compromise your faith that you need to give up? What have you bowed your knee to because of peer pressure? We won’t give up our lives for the Lord, if we won’t even give up those inappropriate shows, sinful beliefs, or intoxicating substances.
Lent is coming up. Starts on Valentines Day this year. Churches participate in this season in different ways, but most of them involve fasting (or intentionally giving up something) as a way to prepare our hearts for Easter (remembering and celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus). We’ll talk more about this in a couple of months. But start praying now about what God wants you to give up. I believe the Holy Spirit is clearly speaking to some of us right now on exactly what it is.
Is God worthy of your worship? Then, lift your hands in surrender, follow Him (even into the fire), and watch Jesus bring unbelievable victory into your life.
Communion
Communion
[Today, we’re gonna end service by remembering and celebrating the victory of the cross and resurrection through communion…]
Let’s pray…
God, you alone are worthy of worship. There’s a lot in this world that tries to make us believe differently. And we often believe those voices. And for that, we’re sorry. Please forgive us. Today, help us to make steps of faith towards you, even small ones. Change us into men and women like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. More than that, make us like the fourth man in the fire. Make us like Jesus. In His name, amen.