Today's lesson comes from Daniel 3: 16-25. In this passage, we see three men who refused to violate their conscience by worshipping an idol. The Bible provides us several examples of people who stood up for their faith: Moses before Pharaoh, John the Baptist before Herod, Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, Paul before Felix, etc. Like the three Hebrews of our lesson, these others stood regardless of what it might have cost them. We see Christians making a stand today irregardless of what it might cost them. Dr. John MacArthur, in his early 80s, refused to close his church when the state of California ordered him to do so. Citing Scripture, he maintained his right to keep his church open believing the church to be essential. He faced criminal contempt charges, but stood strong for the faith.
Nebuchadnezzar was a proud and self-centered rules. Chapter 3 begins with him making a golden image ninety feet high. Nebuchadnezzar summoned all who served in any official capacity to come to the dedication of the image. However, it became more than a dedication service. An announcement was made that when the music stopped, anyone who failed to fall down and worship the image would "the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace." The image had not only a political significance, but also a religious significance. Nebuchadnezzar was starting a new form of religious worship with him at the center.
It should be remembered that the Jewish people were a defeated people. Yet, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego had been made overseers of the primary province of Babylon. No doubt there was much jealousy as a result of their appointments. It should be no surprise that when the three Hebrews refused o bow to the image, they were reported to the king. Nebuchadnezzar became angry and gave them a second opportunity to show their loyalty to the king by worshipping the image. If they chose to disobey, they would be cast into the fiery furnace.
The first section is "Three Nonconformists." vv. 16-18 The three Hebrew children had made their minds up long before they had to make their stands. Verse 16 states, "We are not careful to answer thee in this matter." Not being careful means that they did not need time to consider their answer. They had watched the image being made. They knew where this situation was headed. The Hebrew children had made the decision to go God's way before the decision had to be made. When we know we will be facing a situation that requires us to make a stand, we should have already resolved what we are going to do. John Wesley said, "Indeed, if God be for us, we need not fear what man can do unto us. Let him do his worst. God will deliver us either from death, or in death." The Hebrew children were convinced that God would deliver them out of the king's hand, but if not, they would have rather perished that serve a false god.
The next section is "Cast into the Furnace." vv. 19-23 Nebuchadnezzar was furious that the Hebrews would not serve his gods. He became so furious that his face was distorted. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter. In essence, the king was creating a situation for an even greater deliverance. Oftentimes, persecution will give you a greater opportunity to manifest the glory and power of God. The furnace was so hot that the men that bound and threw the Hebrew children into the fire perished. However, the flames did not slay Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. "How small Nebuchadnezzar was by the side of his three victims!" (Alexander Maclaren)
The final section is "Their Deliverance." vv. 24-28 The furnace was built so that fuel and victims would be thrown in from the top. There was a side opening to allow ashes to be removed. Nebuchadnezzar would have looked through the side opening when the three Hebrew children were thrown in the furnace. When he looked in the opening, he saw four men walking around. He wanted to confirm only three were thrown in. The fourth individual was "like the Son of God." In verse 28, Nebuchadnezzar called the fourth person an angel. The four were perfectly at ease in the flames. Nebuchadnezzar called the three men to come out of the furnace and he addresses them as "servants of the most high God." Their clothes had not changed, nor was their hair singed. There was no smell of smoke on them. Nebuchadnezzar was impressed but not converted. He did make a decree that nothing should be said, "amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego." Then, the three children were promoted by the king in the province of Babylon. The central message is that regardless of what you may be going through, God will be with you, not desert you and guide you through the difficulties.
The Golden Text is: "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace." (Daniel 3:17) It was the faithfulness of the three that opened the way for God to be exalted as the only true God. Their overcoming temptation to bow lead to a decree which protected and encouraged the true worship of God among their people.
Next week, "The Handwriting on the Wall." (Daniel 5: 1-9; 25-28)
Read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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