Introduction: Life is a series of choices. Constantly we are making choices about what to do from one minute to the next. You made the choice to come to service this morning; you choose what you are wearing. In a few moments you will make a choice regarding the restaurant for lunch. The new work week will begin tomorrow, and you will make choices based on priorities and demands. While many choices have very little impact in our daily life, there are times the choices we make carry with them a set of consequences. It is those choices, the difficult choices that at times place us in a tight spot.
We have been in a series of messages entitled ¡§When you are in a Tight Spot¡¨ We have looked at several OT Examples of men who have made choices in their life and in turn have placed them in places of jeopardy. Yet in each message we have learned that God is faithful, and he has delivered his faithful followers from their tight spots.
David, Joshua and Elijah could all give glowing testimonies of how God worked in their lives. Each of our Old Testament heroes faced a different challenge, and yet each man had the conviction to put their trust in god and not in the things of man.
„_ David placed his trust in a sling and stone rather than the king¡¦s armor
„_ Joshua believed God¡¦s strategy was best way to defeat Jericho rather then trust in military plans and weapons
„_ Elijah was willing to face overwhelming odds because he trusted in the One who could control the elements of nature
Today we come to the end of our series and we note once again God¡¦s people are in a tight spot.
BACKGROUND
The year is approximately 575 B.C. Israel is no longer a major player on the world scene. In fact Israel is now just one more conquered nation in the vast empire of Babylon. Having walked away from God for a number of years, Israel is being punished for their sins. Their punishment comes at the hands of the Babylonians (Chaldeans)
The Babylonians have destroyed the temple in Jerusalem, but instead of occupying Israel the Babylonians take the Israel¡¦s best and brightest back to Babylon in exile. For the first time in 900 years the Hebrew Nation is away from their beloved Promise Land.
„_ The Land Joshua had conquered
„_ David had Protected
„_ And God had Prospered
Babylon was 500 miles away from Jerusalem, while the physical difference had to be great, it was nothing compared to the spiritual distance that separated God from his people.
With no temple, there was no place for sacrifice
With no temple, there was very little focus on the priesthood
The Babylonians had a king by the name of Nebuchadnezzar, who had an appetite for world domination and he satisfied that appetite by conquering nations and forcing them to swear an allegiance to him.
Many nations did, including many of the Israelites but there was 3 young men who refused to bow, even in the face of overwhelming pressure and threats to their lives.
Today we will see how these young men refused to bow and took a stand for their convictions.
1. The Test
Daniel 3:1-7, King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it. Then the herald loudly proclaimed, "This is what you are commanded to do, O peoples, nations and men of every language: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace." Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
A. Nebuchadnezzar¡¦s arrogance
It was not enough for Nebuchadnezzar to conquer the world he also wanted to be worshipped. And he wanted that worship to be seen in very public way. He erects a tall statue on the plane, and when everyone heard the royal orchestra, they were to stop what they were doing and bow down to the statue, acknowledging Nebuchadnezzar was god!
B. The people¡¦s allegiance
Verse 7 tells us, as soon as they heard the music; all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Everyone began to comply ¡V no one held back, I am sure many people were sincere in the worship of King Nebuchadnezzar. After all he had provided for them a home and under his reign all Babylonian citizens prospered. Others may have bowed down, simply as a matter of self preservation ¡V the threat of a fiery furnace, may have caused many to bow to the king. Maybe they felt they could justify their actions by recanting later, but at this point they would bow.
C. Nebuchadnezzar arrogance led to a violation of God¡¦s law
While it may have been permissible for the pagan people to bow down to a pagan king, the people of Israel knew this was a violation of God¡¦s law. The first commandment reminded Israel; "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
While the commandment may have been in their mind ¡V it was not on their heart, verse 7 says all people of all nations (including Israel) was bowing down to the statue of Nebuchadnezzar.
Everyone was bowing except for 3 young men
Daniel 3:8-12, At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, live forever! You have issued a decree, O king, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace.
ANITA MAKE ANOTHER SLIDE
But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon¡XShadrach, Meshach and Abednego¡Xwho pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up."
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, knew all too well the reason the people were in captivity was because of the sins of their fathers and forefathers, they were determined to break the cycle of idolatry what there on the plane of Dura. They were willing to face Nebuchadnezzar¡¦s temporal punishment rather than face their eternal God and have to give an account for their idolatry. I believe if we lived with same idea of accountably to God as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, we too may have stronger convictions about how we live. But the truth is we all will be held accountable for our actions.
Romans 12:14, 12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Hebrew writer continues that thought when he writes, Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13
Knowing we will have to give an account for our actions should compel us to live in a godly way. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, understood they were accountable to God.
2. Note the reactions the world has to people who show their convictions
Verses 12-15, Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"
A. The World will notice you
It was hard not to notice Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Everyone on the field was bowing down. Yet in the middle of the crowd there stood three men who were standing ¡V and they were noticed.
The world will always notice when you take a stand for God.
„_ It is human to stand with a crowd, it is divine to stand alone
„_ It is man-like to stand with people, it is god-like to stand for a principle.
„_ Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were noticed because of their stand.
B. They will become angry at our stand
Verse 12, Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
People do not like it when people start to stand against the status quo. Nebuchadnezzar had come to believe his own spin doctors ¡V they told him he was a god and he believed them, but Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego placed their trust in the true God and this brought the wrath of the king. Standing for our convictions will bring out anger in our adversaries. Paul told Timothy, Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. 2 Timothy 4:2-5
C. A third response to our convictions ¡V They will question our commitment
Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?
Nebuchadnezzar wants to know do you really believe in what you are doing. In questioning their commitment Nebuchadnezzar, was trying to figure out are you willing to die for this conviction. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not need to be questioned about their commitment, they knew where they stood they would not bow!
D. This led to the 4th response, they had their commitment tested.
Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"
Nebuchadnezzar gives the trio an opportunity to sin again ¡V yet they would not bow regardless of the consequences. Listen to their words.
Verses16-18, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
„_ Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were willing to have their commitment put to the test. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."
„_ If we are thrown in the fire God will save us ¡V and even if he does not we will not bow.
„_ It is very easy to have convictions when we see God working in our midst, but it can become difficult when God is silent. This past week, I attending a meeting with ministers from around the country in Kansas City, MO. On Monday night, our speaker challenged us to be courageous leaders, in the faces of opposition. He then shared a true story about a man who recently converted to Christianity in India. As a result of his conversion he faced all types of persecution, finally one evening a gang of men broke into his house and told him to recant his faith, or they would raped his wife right before his eyes, his wife begged him to not to recant, and he stood their and watched them repeatedly raped his wife when they were finished they brutally assaulted him as well. He stood up to his convictions even though God was silent. I pray we will never have to face whet that man and his wife faced that night, but I also pray we will stand by our convictions even when it seems it is impossible.
3. Nebuchadnezzar was true to his word
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were placed in the furnace, The Bible says¡K
„_ Nebuchadnezzar became furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
„_ He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded his soldiers to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.
„_ The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
„_ Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"
„_ They replied, "Certainly, O king." He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."
Verse 26-27, Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were delivered, God was faithful, verse 27 says there deliverance was complete as there was no smell of fire on them.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew their god was able to rescue them, and even if he was silent, they would not bow, even if it meant they would lose their life, they were committed - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew it was not about their survival it was about God¡¦s supremacy Since God was supreme they could not bow.
4. Lessons to help us develop deep convictions for Christ
A. Convictions never involve gifts or abilities.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not endowed with any special abilities that helped them withstand Nebuchadnezzar. They simply trusted in God to rescue them.
„_ They trusted in god, even when he was silent
„_ They trust trusted in god when no one would support them
„_ They trusted in god even when it did not make sense
B. Convictions are a result of a choice not a condition.
One might look at our three friends and say they lived under a special time of miracles; it was easy to have a conviction to live for God. That is simply not true. In fact the conditions favored them not having convictions, they lived in a foreign land, they had no one to hold them accountable, and they could have very easily blended into the culture of the day. But they chose to live for God in spite of their surroundings
C. Godly convictions will not be understood by worldly wisdom.
Nebuchadnezzar could not believe Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not bow down to the statue to save their lives. It just did not make sense.
„_ When we take a stand or when we hold to convictions the world will not understand. The key to having strong convictions is deciding ahead of time where you will stand. Convictions are not based on popular opinion or favorite trends and moods, but on God¡¦s word.
„_ Parents of young children you need to decide now what is important when it comes to your child¡¦s well being. Will you make church attendance a priority or is it simply one more thing on your child¡¦s social calendar
„_ Teenagers do you have a conviction about your dating life. Have you drawn a line and said you will not do anything to compromise your purity, even when there is pressure to compromise your standards.
„_ How about who you decide to date, are they Christian first or is it simply nice if they are.
„_ In the work place men and women are you keeping your thought life pure in the work place are you avoiding the appearance of wrong doing, by setting up standards that you will not violate such as never eating alone with the opposite sex or working late on a project.
„_ Are you dressing modestly as to not draw attention to yourself which may place you in a compromising situation
„_ Do you have a conviction about what you watch on TV (are certain channels blocked) or websites you will visit. Do you allow your spouse to have your password to ensure you do not fall into temptation?
„_ While these suggesting may sound foreign to the world it is important that god¡¦s people have a conviction about living holy in an un-holy world.
D. GODLY CONVITIONS ARE NEVER MADE IN A MOMENT
It is my experience if we do not convictions when the heat is on we will fall to temptation. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not decide on that day not to bow, they had made a choice several weeks before. Before the statue was complete they knew they would not bow. If you have not already made some serious convictions yet you are opening yourself up to trouble, choose today to stand for God so that one day you will not fall for anything.
Conclusion: On an ordinary day in Babylon, three young men took a stand to be committed to God, regardless of the outcome they would not bow. Ordinary men doing an extraordinary thing ¡V and because of their stand God blessed them, rescued them and exalted them.
The next time you find yourself in a tight spot remember the example of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were faithful because they had convictions.
PRAYER.
