“The Stand”
Beyond Flannelgraph: Treasured Stories, Timeless Truths
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Text: Daniel 3:7-18
My family started going to church when I was three years old and I accepted Christ when I was five. I was raised in church…and my parents believed that it was a good thing to be in church every time the door was open. When I say we didn’t miss church I mean we didn’t miss church!
I’ve told you that I never had to ask my parents if we were going to Sunday school or church…I didn’t ask the question because I already knew the answer! We were always in church…by the way; it really didn’t hurt me at all! As a matter of fact, I believe that God used my parent’s commitment to the Lord to instill in me the importance of attending and being a faithful member of the body today.
I love going to church…I always have. My favorite part of church when I was growing up was Sunday school. I remember my teachers telling the greatest stories I had ever heard. They told stories about a young man who defeated a giant warrior, about a global flood and a huge boat, about a baby in a basket, and about a strong man that killed a lion with his bare hands. They also told stories about God’s Son, His life, His death, His resurrection and the gift He desires to give to everyone who believes on Him. I loved Sunday school! I especially loved when the teacher used visual aids.
One of my favorite visual aids the teachers used was the filmstrip. These filmstrips came with records and they seemed to make these magnificent stories come to life. Another visual aid I loved was the flannelgraph. I know we don’t use flannelgraph very often and I think that’s because our kids are so inundated with technology. But I enjoyed flannelgraph and to this day when I think of some of these stories I still see those flannelgraph images in my mind.
I love Sunday school stories…but many times we tend to think of the stories we heard week in and week out as being just for kids. However, the same truths we learned as kids are just as necessary for us to remember and apply to our lives as adults. It’s always a good thing to remember those things that we have learned and to be reminded of truths that are still relevant.
This is the point of this message series…to re-examine these treasured stories and discover again their timeless truths. You see, the message of these stories extends past the children’s ministry and goes beyond the flannelgraph that we remember and love. It is my prayer that as we take some time to look back that God will stir our hearts once again and that we will allow His Word to move us to passionately live for and trust in Him.
This morning I want to start with one of my favorite Bible stories…I call it “The Stand”. The story takes place on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.
- Babylon was the dominant world power at that time
- The Israelites had been conquered, they were in captivity and Jerusalem had been destroyed
- Many Jewish boys were taken out of their homeland and sent to serve in Babylon
- The story of four of those boys is told in the first few chapters of the book of Daniel
- We learn that God had given favor to Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
- Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were in charge of the business of the province of Babylon while Daniel served in the king’s royal court.
- Nebuchadnezzar decided to build a monstrous statue (9 story building, 9 feet wide, overlaid with gold), it was most likely the image of Marduk, the principle god of Babylon and the god the king worshipped.
- The king brought all the officials of his empire together and instructed them to bow to the image and worship it when the music began to play, his desire was for them to worship his god and the penalty for failing to do so was death in a blazing furnace
- This furnace would have been near the statue and had been used to smelt metal for the gold plating and manufacturing of bricks for the base of the statue.
- The furnace was large, with an opening at the top to vent smoke and to insert ore. It would have been in the shape of a glass milk bottle and would have a smaller opening at ground level through which they would insert wood and charcoal to provide the heat. Temperatures in the furnace could reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fear must have gripped the heart of those who heard the decree…but the king’s command was especially difficult for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They knew that they were not worship any God but Jehovah. They were faced with what amounted to a life or death decision.
This is where we pick up our story this morning.
This is an amazing story of a definite stand three young men took for God. They knew the circumstance they faced, they knew the consequences of their actions, yet they did not back down.
Over the past few weeks we’ve been talking about standing for the Lord. We’ve seen from the closing verses of Ephesians that believers are commanded to stand or to hold our ground. That is exactly what we see these men doing in this story. They were standing firm; they were holding their ground even as they faced the onslaught of the enemy.
The stand they made is the stand we must also make…but let’s make sure that we remember the reality of the situation. Standing for the Lord is not something that is for the faint of heart. Standing for the Lord is not something that is easy. Standing for the Lord is something that requires His power and His armor. Standing for the Lord is something that requires that we remember some truths that are illustrated by the stand of these remarkable men.
The first truth our text teaches us about our stand is this…
1. When You Stand For God Your Stand Will Be Noticed – vs. 8-13
We live in a society that seems to be racing out of control. Everyday we are faced with the temptation to bow to the gods of our generation. We are pressured to bow to the god of convenience, we are pressured to bow the god of career, we are pressured to bow the god of finance, we are pressured to bow to the god of the socially acceptable or the politically correct. We’re tempted to place our faith and trust in government or the stock market or the corporation and many people willingly give their lives to gods that cannot satisfy.
So it is extremely strange when a person refuses to bow to the gods our society tells us to bow to. When a person decides to stand for God they decide to live by a different standard. When a person lives for God they have different priorities, they have different attitudes, they have different habits and they have different motives. When a person stands for God their stand is always noticed.
Such was the case for these three men. Their stand for the Lord in this story was nothing new. As a matter of fact, they had already made a habit of taking a stand for God.
The first time we see them take a stand is in chapter one. They were specially selected by the king because they “were skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and they had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace…” (Daniel 1:4)
Because they were specially selected they were fed as the king was fed…all the finest food and wine was provided to them…but these men along with Daniel refused to eat the food that was provided. You see they did not want to defile themselves…they purposed in their heart to take a stand for God and it was noticed. As a matter of fact the Bible says that they looked healthier than those who had taken the kings meat and “God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom…the king found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.” (Daniel 1:17, 20b)
Years later these same men were faced with a challenge and once again they stood for God. They knew the risk they were taking, they knew their lives were at stake…but when everyone else bowed and worshipped their false god…these men stood firm…but why?
They must have remembered what they had been taught as children. They must have remembered that God said:
I am the LORD thy God…3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, (Ex 20:2–5).
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. (Deut. 14:2)
We must also remember that as believers we too must refuse to worship the things of this life. We too must stand firm, realizing that we don’t belong to this world’s system. We have been purchased out of the world’s system…
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Pe 2:9).
It is vital that all believers stand for God and when we stand for God our stand will be noticed…
Some people will not understand the stand we take – “these men…have not regarded thee” (vs. 12)
The Chaldeans that saw Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stand when they were supposed to be worshipping didn’t really understand what they saw. They thought these Jews were unappreciative of the position the king had given to them and they thought these Jews were simply being disrespectful to the king by disregarding his command. They didn’t understand that these men were only being faithful to the God of Heaven.
Many times when we take a stand for God others will not understand what we are doing or why we are doing it. They may accuse you of being self-righteous, they may accuse you of being rude or they may accuse you of having the wrong motives. The important thing is realizing that faithfulness to God is what matters and God always notices when we take a stand for Him.
Don’t ever let the fear of what people think of you stop you from standing for God!
Not only will some people not understand the stand we take but…
Some people will be angered by the stand we take - “Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury…”(vs. 13)
Taking a stand for God is offensive to some and some may respond in anger. Nebuchadnezzar became furious when he learned that these men refused to follow his commands. However these men knew that their stand would anger the king…they already knew what the king said would happen to those who refused to bow…but they stood anyway.
As believers we must strive to “live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). However we must never sacrifice our stand to avert the wrath of those who will be angered by our stand. We have to remember that our responsibility is to God…when we stand for Him He will fight our battles for us.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego certainly stood for God and their stand was noticed. The next truth our text teaches us is…
2. When You Stand For God Your Commitment Will Be Challenged – vs. 14-18
After Nebuchadnezzar heard that these men refused to follow his command he ordered them to be brought to him. He could not believe that anyone would dare stand against him. Perhaps he thought that they did not understand what they were supposed to do…so he gave them another chance to obey (“if ye be ready at that time…).
This was a direct challenge to their commitment to God. In essence he’s saying “you’ll do this or you’ll die the moment you refuse…and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?”
Now at this point they could have compromised with the king and defended their disobedience to God by arguing, “Everybody else is doing it,” or “Our office demands that we obey,” or “We’ll bow our knees but we won’t bow our hearts,” or “No other Jews will know we bowed to the idol.” But here’s the thing, real commitment never looks for loopholes! Real commitment simply stands for God even when that commitment is challenged.
So how do we stand when our commitment is challenged?
Make up your mind before the challenge comes – “we are not careful to answer thee in this matter” (vs. 16)
When confronted with this challenge these men didn’t even have to think about their response. They knew in advance what they would do. They didn’t have to have a “holy huddle” and they didn’t have to vote…they were firm in their response because they had committed their lives to God.
Listen, when you’re faced with a challenge to your commitment and you’ve not made up your mind to stand for Him then you’ll most likely break your commitment.
To stand when your commitment is challenged you’ve got to make up your mind before the challenge comes and you’ve got to…
Have absolute trust in the Lord – “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us…” (vs.17)
These men had an unshakeable trust in God’s ability to deliver them. Notice they didn’t say that God would deliver them they said God could deliver them. Their trust in God’s ability to step in enabled them to stand even when their commitment was challenged.
Isa 12:2 — Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
Isa 26:4 — Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
Listen, when you trust in God’s power and when you realize that God can deliver you, you’ll find it easier to stand even when your commitment is challenged.
Not only must you make up your mind before the challenge comes, have absolute trust in the Lord but you must also…
Be willing to pay any price – “but if not…we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image…” (vs. 18)
This statement is amazing to me…Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are basically saying “Our God can save us, but if He chooses not to then we’ll die before we turn our back on Him.” What a powerful statement of commitment!
Jesus said, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Mk 8:34).
Commitment requires that you are willing to pay any price to stand for and follow the Savior. You see you can’t really stand for Christ until you’re willing to die for Him.
Let me ask you; are you willing to pay any price to stand for God? Will you die to yourself before you turn your back on Him? Will you offer your life before you break your commitment to Him? Is He worth your commitment?
The book of Hebrews tells us about those who paid the ultimate price to stand when their commitment was challenged. It says “others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword.” (Heb 11:36–37).
We must stand even when our commitment is challenged…but there is another important truth this text teaches us about our stand…
3. When You Stand For God Your Faith Will Be Tested – vs. 19-27
Someone once said, “faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted” this text illustrates that saying beautifully. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego have stood for God, their stand has been noticed, their commitment has been challenged and now their faith in God is about to be tested.
Nebuchadnezzar became furious when these men refused to worship his idol. He got so angry that he commanded the furnace to be made as hot as possible. Then the men were quickly bound and cast into the flames…Nebuchadnezzar was certain he was rid of these disobedient Jews.
Persecution is often the ultimate trial of faith. As believers we must expect persecution when we take stand for God.
Peter wrote: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (1 Pe 4:12)
Jesus told us: If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. (Jn 15:18–20)
We’re not going to escape the trial or testing of our faith and while those times are not fun it is important to remember some things…
God may not keep you out of the fire but He’ll go through the fire with you – “I see four men loose…”(vs. 25)
Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace and was astonished to see four men instead of three. He was astonished to hear shouts of joy instead of screams of torture. He was astonished to realize they were walking freely instead of burning in bondage. You see, when he ordered those godly men to be thrown in the fire he did not know that their God, Jehovah was able to save them. He certainly didn’t realize that God’s Son would show up in the fire with them. However, we now have an incredible illustration of what happens when our faith is tested.
You see, when our faith is tested we are not alone. When our faith is tested and when believers go through the trials of this life we have a friend who sticks closer than a brother. I know sometimes we may feel all-alone, but never believe your feelings. The truth is, God is always with us!
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (Is 43:2)
God blesses the testing of our faith – “Ye servants of the Most High God, come forth…” (vs. 26)
The king ordered the men to come out of the furnace (think about that one for a minute). He couldn’t believe what he saw. They were perfectly fine. They were not burnt, their hair was not singed, their clothes were unaltered, and they didn’t even smell like smoke. The only thing the fire touched was the rope by which they had been bound.
God completely delivered them through their trial. Not only did God deliver them, but also He proved that He was faithful and God blessed them. This word “promoted” in verse 30 literally means that the king made them to prosper. They were most likely honored with material wealth and as the story spread around Babylon they were probably given the utmost respect…not because they did anything to earn it, but only because God blesses those who stand for Him.
Now we understand that as we stand in the midst of trials and testing we may not be blessed with material wealth, but God does promise to bless those who endure testing for His stake. For that reason we are to look at those tests as blessings, not burdens.
James said: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (Jas 1:2–4)
When we stand for God our faith will be tested, but praise God He never leaves us and uses those tests to bless us. The last truth I want to share with you today is…
4. When You Stand For God Your Savior Will Be Glorified – vs. 28-30
Nebuchadnezzar went from asking “who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” to proclaiming, “there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.”
Because of the stand of these men, God was glorified throughout the kingdom. As a matter of fact Nebuchadnezzar made a decree that no person in his entire empire was to say a bad word about the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The penalty for impugning the true and living God was death and destruction of property. God truly received the glory.
Isn’t this the point of our lives? The point of our lives is not to be happy, it’s not to get all we can, and it’s not to leave a large inheritance to our children and grandchildren. The point of our lives is not to have power or prestige…the point of our lives is to bring glory to our Savior.
When we stand for Him, He is glorified. Jesus talked about our stand when He said: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Mt 5:14–16)
Let me ask you something…are you standing for God? Is your commitment to God as strong as the commitment we’ve seen from Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? Are you willing to give up your life for God? (not special men..ordinary)
Maybe your going through the fire right now and perhaps you’ve been discouraged…let me encourage you to look up and realize that you are not alone in your trial. God is with you and He’ll bring you through…have faith in His promise.
The last question I have for you is this, is your life bringing glory to the Savior? Do your words, your attitude and your actions point people to God?
Standing for God is not easy, but the men of our story today would tell you without hesitation that it’s worth it!
