Daniel 3:1–30, especially verses 16–18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, 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.”

Introduction

Television actress Heather Graham recently told Talk magazine that she resents the “church” because of her upbringing. “Organized religion, in my experience” she said, “has been destructive. Why do I have to do what all these men are saying? Why is a woman’s sexuality supposed to be so evil?” While the church isn’t perfect, much of today’s criticism and rejection of Christianity is driven by a desire to cast off moral restraints. We want to be our own gods, to make our own decisions, and to bow to the image of pleasure, power, possessions, or personal opinion. Situations often arise requiring us to take a stand on the principles of God’s Word regardless of the consequences. Obedience to Scripture is an obligation, not an option, for Christians. Loyal obedience brings abundant blessing. Daniel 3 tells of three young men—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who faced this dilemma 2,500 years ago.

The Occasion (vv. 1–7).

The Dedication of the Image (vv. 1–3): Nebuchadnezzar, erecting a great image of himself in the plain of Dura, invited assorted dignitaries to its dedication. These princes, governors, captains, judges, treasurers, counselors, sheriffs and rulers assembled and stood before the image, awaiting instruction. The Directive to the Individuals (vv. 4–7): When the multitude heard the music, they were to fall down and worship the image. Those who disobeyed would be cast into a fiery furnace.

The Offenders (vv. 8–18).

All bowed (we can choose to follow the crowd) and worshiped the image except Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

The Accusation (vv. 8–12- Jealousy when you take a stand it can cost you your life; this is what Jesus asks of us- our lives): Certain Chaldeans informed the king of the disobedience of the Hebrews and reminded him of the penalty for disobeying his instructions.
The Anger (vv. 13–15): Nebuchadnezzar was furious and summoned the young men. He offered them another chance to submit.
The Allegiance (vv. 16–18): “We have no need to answer you in this matter,” was the reply. “If...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image.”

The Outcome (vv. 19–30)

Are we willing to pay the price? Is there any benefit to obedience?). Their refusal enraged the king, and they were cast into the fire, but a fourth man joined them in the flames, and they were delivered unharmed.

The Observations.

(1) They Would Not Bow. In spite of the king’s rage and threats, they refused to serve his gods or worship the golden image. There are a host of false gods today, all demanding worship. Popularity. Pleasure. The Good Life. The Acquisition of “Things”. We must have nothing in our lives more important to us than our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2) They Would Not Bend. After taking their stand, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to reconsider their action. Crowds, confrontations and convenience must not cause us to waver in obedience. The instant availability of temptation and sin on the internet, in movies, and on television, must be resisted. Disobedience is always dishonoring.
(3) They Would Not Burn. In a rage Nebuchadnezzar commanded the Hebrews be thrown into an inferno. The fire was so hot it incinerated the guards. When the king peered into the furnace, he saw four men walking in the fire and the fourth was like the Son of God. He called for the release of the men and found to his amazement that the fire had no effect on them.

Conclusion:

(Story of the refiner’s fire) When one obeys God, the fiery trials are a means of trying, testing and tempering. During periods of great affliction the Lord often gives the greatest victories. Rather than losing, by obeying the Word of God these lads were promoted in the province of Babylon and their God acknowledged as the true and living God. Servants of God are revealed, refined, reaffirmed and reassured in the fiery furnace of trials and tribulation. They are fashioned in the fire.

[1]

----

[1]Morgan, R. J. (2001). Nelson's annual preacher's sourcebook : 2002 edition (electronic ed.) (270). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.