THE FIERY FURNACE
(Daniel 3:1-30-fighting fire with faith)
INTRODUCTION: Testing-we seldom enjoy it. We don’t like having to endure the challenges that test our knowledge, patience or faith. But, the only way we will find out the value of something is if it’s been tested. Consumer Reports has been a valuable tool used by countless people to evaluate certain goods and services. Many stand by CR’s findings and shop accordingly. We too, as Christians need to go through various testing in order to determine our strengths and weaknesses. Our level of character, integrity and morality will be determined when it’s put to the test. I want to talk today about some guys whose faith was put to the ultimate test. Let’s see how they did and what we can learn from their experience.
· BACKGROUND: In 605 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar attacked and besieged Jerusalem. He deported some of the Israelites to Babylon. Among them were Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They were found to be approved men, fit for service in the king’s palace. About a year later in 604 B.C., Daniel interprets a dream for Nebuchadnezzar (2:1-45). Then, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God and sets Daniel up as ruler over Babylon and upon Daniel’s request, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were set up as Administrators over Babylon (2:46-49).
· Then, some time later, Nebuchadnezzar erects a massive golden image, 90 feet high and nine feet wide (3:1). This image was probably of either a pagan god like Bel, or Nebu, or of Nebuchadnezzar himself. Then, he summoned all the rulers of the land to come to the dedication of this golden image (vs. 2&3). Then a decree was issued that stated than whenever someone heard certain music they were to fall down and worship the image (vs. 4&5). The consequence for not following this decree was being immediately thrown into a blazing furnace (vs. 6).
1) Being the minority. (Vs. 7-12)
· Christians are the minority in the world. Jesus said many are called but few are chosen. He said the gate that leads to destruction is wide and many enter through it. But small is the gate that leads to eternal life and only a few find it. We as the minority are going to be tested to conform due to the peer pressure and opposition of the majority. Although S, M & A were outnumbered, they weren’t going to allow that to sway their devotion. How do we do when we’re the minority at work or with our friends? Do we stand up for Jesus?
· Being the minority means opposition (vs. 8). The astrologers denounced the Jews but specifically targeted Rach, Shach and Benny (vs. 8, 12). These guys were likely jealous that Neby had lifted them to high positions (2:49). When God blesses our faithfulness, others may get jealous and try to attack our character. They will want to undermine or sabotage God’s work.
· But we’re not the minority force. Our faith is tested when we’re outnumbered. Will we trust that God can do what he sets out to do regardless of the odds? In Judges 6, the mighty Midianites had been oppressing the Israelites for seven years. God raised up Gideon to take on the massive Midianite Army. Gideon was confused why God was choosing him since he was the least in his family and his family was the weakest clan (6:15). But God assured Gideon by telling him that He would be with him (6:16). So Gideon gathered the troops and set out. But God threw a wrench in the system. Judges 7:2, “The LORD said to Gideon, ‘You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her’.” God took Israel’s army from 32,000 men and whittled it down to just 300. With 300 men, Gideon defeated the Midianites. God allows us to be the minority so that we don’t take the credit but rather give the glory to God for surpassing seemingly insurmountable odds.
2) Hot, hot, hot! (Vs. 13-15)
· Nebuchadnezzar was a prideful hothead. One reason he was furious may have been because he didn’t feel appreciated (vs. 12). He had made Rach, Shach and Benny to be administrators and they have been given royalty treatment all this time. “And this is how you repay my kindness?!” Have you ever had to deal with a person who blew up every time he didn’t get his way? How often do we pacify people because we don’t want them upset with us? When we’re tested by having to deal with a hothead we need to maintain our convictions.
· Nebuchadnezzer allowed them one more chance to comply (vs. 15). Satan turned up the heat by forcing S, M&A to stand in Neby’s face and deny his request. They could’ve compromised and said things like: well, I’ll bow down outwardly but inwardly I’ll still remain true to God. God doesn’t care about us anyway; he’s taken us away from our homeland and made us live in captivity to these pagans. I’ll do it now and ask for forgiveness later-no big deal. When face to face with the temptation to compromise, how do we do?
3) Cool, cool, cool! (Vs. 16-18)
· Despite Nebuchadnezzar’s temper, Rach, Shach and Benny maintained theirs. Prov. 14:16, “A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.” Neby was a hotheaded fool but S, M &A were cool and wise. They maintained their composure in the face of fury. How have you been tested in the area of anger lately? Have you been able to keep your cool?
· They answered firmly but tactfully. They answered with confidence not arrogance. It’s important to remember that when someone tests us, we respond respectfully without yielding to immorality. We need to keep our cool when the heat is on. Ecc. 9:17, “The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of the ruler of fools.” Yelling isn’t cool.
· We won’t back down. “But even if he doesn’t…” (Vs. 18). Did they have doubts? Did they have wavering faith? Some Christians believe that faith is confidence in a certain outcome. Faith is believing that God can, but leaving the outcome up to Him. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego wanted the king to understand that if God didn’t choose to rescue them, it didn’t mean He couldn’t. We should always relinquish our understanding over to the purity of God’s will. Jesus prayed in Mark 14:36, “Father, he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Jesus didn’t have weak faith. He knew God was able, but he also knew the Father’s will came before his own.
· Fear God, not man. Matt. 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Regardless of what Neby could do to them, they knew their fate would be worse if they didn’t honor God. Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna was brought before the Roman authorities and told if he cursed Christ he would be released. He replied, "86 years have I served him, and he has done me no wrong: how then can I blaspheme my king who saved me?" The Roman officer replied, "Unless you change your mind, I will have you burned." But Polycarp said, "You threaten a fire that burns for an hour, and after a while is quenched; for you are ignorant of the judgment to come and of everlasting punishment reserved for the ungodly. Do what you wish."
4) Hot, hot, hot! (vs. 19-24).
· Nebuchadnezzar fanned his fury into flames and stoked the furnace (vs. 19). Rach, Shach and Benny’s faith was met with fury. They could’ve thought, ‘Hey God, we did the right thing here and that just made matters worse.’ We have to be prepared that when we stand firm, it might make things worse before they get better. We need to remain true and trust God even when Satan turns up the heat.
5) Cool, cool, cool! (Vs. 24-27)
· Right there with us (vs. 25). When Neby looked into the furnace he didn’t see three men bound and burned, he saw four men unbound and unharmed. This 4th ‘man’ (thought to have been an angel or a manifestation of Jesus himself), was with them in the fire. This 4th man enabled the other three to walk around and not feel the effects of the fire. If not for the fourth ‘man’, they would’ve been scorched. When we face our fiery trials we can be assured that God is with us. Isaiah 43:2-3a, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Today, God is with His people through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He is our Counselor, Helper, Comforter and Guider. We need to rely on the Holy Sprit to keep us cool and get us through the fiery furnace.
· They came out unscathed (Vs. 27). This miracle was an amazing display of God’s power. The fire produced no ill effects. The only thing that was burned was their bindings. The fire of testing can free us from that which binds us. When we persevere through our furnace of testing and come out unscathed, our faith grows stronger and we are more like Christ. Job 23:10, “But he knows the way I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Testing removes impurities so that we can be clean and shine like gold.
6) Praise God! (Vs. 28-30).
· Nebuchadnezzar recognized the extreme faith of the three. S, M&A trusted God and were willing to give up their lives for Him (vs. 28). They weren’t struggling in their obedience but instead were willing to give up their lives in service to God. Even though they were in captivity, in a foreign land where other gods were the mainstream, their faith didn’t waiver. They were faithful despite their conditions. “…for no other god can save in this way.” (vs. 29b). Neby recognized the power of the God that saves. When we’re rescued, it provides an opportunity for others to be rescued from unbelief. When we refuse to compromise our faith, we not only honor God, we pave the way for others to honor God as well. Our faith is a motivating testimony for others.
· Rewarded (vs. 30). Because of their immovable faith in God, Neby promoted them. How have you recognized God rewarding you for your faith? What blessings have you experienced because you stepped out in faith? (tithing)
CONCLUSION: We can draw strength from the extreme faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. We can face our adversaries with godly confidence. And we are comforted knowing God is right there with us when we face these trials. And this testing is needed in order to sanctify us and make us holy. James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Rich Mullins: “You meet the Lord in the furnace a long time before you’ll meet Him in the sky.” Don’t be afraid of testing; welcome it, because by persevering through it, we become more like Jesus.
