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Weekly Message | February 17th, 2008
IF …THROWN INTO THE BLAZING FURNACE…
Passage: Daniel 3:1-30
Key Verse(s): 3:17, 18
"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."
Last week we thought about the kingdoms of this world that rise and fall. The kingdom of Jesus Christ endures forever. The tile of today’s passage is about Daniel’s three friends--Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were in danger of being thrown into the fiery furnace because of their faith. God commands us to love him. God blesses our faith—in every way. At the same time, because of our faith we sometimes must pay the cost—our job, our family and even our own lives. Today let’s think about the cost of loving God.
First, Nebuchadnezzar set up the image of gold (1-7). Look at verse 1: "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.” After listening to the interpretation of his dream, Nebuchadnezzar feared the God of Daniel. Soon he forgot the main point of the dream. He only remembered Daniel's word that he was the head of gold of the huge statute (2:38b). He probably thought that he should do something to make his kingdom to endure forever. So he set up a huge statue similar to what he had seen in his dream. It was ninety feet high, and nine feet wide, and he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. It was about the size of a nine story building. Sitting in the middle of the plain, it reflected the light of the sun so that people from miles around could see it. It became the symbol of Babylonian glory.
The dedication ceremony of the image of gold was fantastic. High up in the center was a golden royal box where King Nebuchadnezzar and his wife were present. One stage lower were several hundred silver royal boxes for his high officials and their wives. On the third stage were several thousand bronze royal boxes for subject kings and their diplomats. Underneath were several thousands chairs lined up for all the dignitaries of all nations of all languages. In another corner were several hundreds of musicians with their instruments and behind them several thousands flags were standing in colorful lines. At one corner of an entrance soldiers were ready to parade in honor of the king.
The dedication ceremony was thoroughly prepared. Now 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."(4b-6). Nebuchadnezzar represents the absolute power without God. It is completely oppressive. All people had to conform to the king's will. Because of the threat of death, nobody would ever dare to defy this order. Emperors such as Nero of the Roman Empire and many dictators forced people to abandon their lives. Even now, so many people live in nations that they are not free to worship God and live according to their faith.
Living in this country we may feel free from such fearful situation. However, in the end times, the anti-Christ will force everyone, small and great, rich and 0poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead. Either worship this anti-Christ or be killed. People (Rev 13:15-17). How can anyone be prepared for such horrible days?
Second, “We will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up”(8-18). Some astrologers saw Daniel's three friends standing aloof and denounced them, saying, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego pay no attention to you, O King. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up"(12). These astrologers, who denounced them, were political rivals and opponents. They held grudges against them because the inferior race, the Jews, occupied the governorship. When they denounced them, they were sure that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would be put into the blazing furnace. They were filled with sadistic joy.
The king loved these three young men. So he did not immediately put them into the blazing fire, but wanted to give them a second chance. So the king summoned them and said, "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?" (15,16)
What did they answer? Look at verses 16-18:"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." (16-18). These friends were united in their action. They expressed their confidence in God’s power. Almighty God delivered their forefathers out of the tight grip of Pharoah, king of Egypt. (Ex. 15:2; Ps. 105:37). God enabled them to cross the Red Sea as on dry land. (Ex.15:8; Ps. 106:9). Probably they remembered Isaiah 43:2, "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." Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego trusted God who is able to save them. Our God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He raised Christ from the dead. Our God is the God of resurrection. Therefore, our God is able to save us, rescue us from any harm’s ways. God is able to make us more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. (Ro. 8:35). This is a very important component of our faith. God is able. All things are possible with God.
How do we acquire such faith? It is through the Bible studies. We remember what God has done throughout ages for his people. We also experience evidences of God’s practical hands on our lives. In Last National Staff Meeting Dr. Alan Wolf shared a moving testimony. During his undergraduate years, he was so lost that he was expelled from Northwestern University with 1.4 GPA. Years later he received a Ph.D. from this very school. His testimony? The grace of God. His point? Nothing is impossible with God! Many of us experience God’s victory in our lives—by faith! We acknowledge God in all things. So we pray for our common trials of life. We pray for health, jobs, children, and any issues and problems and trials in this life. In the early period of our journey God graciously allows us to experience his saving powers in practical matters. Hearing the testimonies of young Christians are exciting because they feel God’s loving care even in very ordinary events in life. Many experience God’s answers to our prayers. As we acknowledge God in all things, we see that God makes our paths straight. We all need such experiences of God who is able to hear us and save us.
Look at verse 18. "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." They loved God with all their hearts. They tasted the goodness of God in their lives. In view of God’s great love for them they did not mind dying for their faith. They were willing to glorify God even with their death. Their faith in God's love reminds us of Romans 8:38,39."For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Nothing in all creation can separate us from God. Because of God’s love it does not really matter when or how or why we die.
Here, we must consider another aspect of faith. It is to trust God in all things. It is to love God in all things. Such commitment is based on deep love for God. How can we grow in such faith in God? It is the gift of God. It is also the results of our long walk with God. Valentine’s Day is over. It is the day of thinking about love. Our souls are yearning for love—that is true love. Such love is based on unconditional commitment. Such love is unfailing love.
One missionary friend engaged in 1:1 ministry while pursuing Ph.D. in Engineering. After 5 years of hard work he got his Ph.D. and went back to Korea. People thought that he would become a very fruitful professor shepherd at the Korean Military Academy. One day he was hit by a car while crossing the road. Thousands of people prayed for him but after two years of intense struggle he died. His only son grew up in faith through the loving care of his widow mother. Yesterday I received an invitation to his wedding. I will be there to bless their faith.
Some of us are tried by chronic and painful sicknesses that doctors cannot figure out. We do not face such fiery trials as Daniel's three friends face. We pray earnestly for certain things. We believe that God is able to bless us. What if not all prayers are answered? What do you do? Are you free to love God even when God does not answer your particular prayers? Can you pray just as Jesus did in the Mount of Gethsemane? “Abba Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup form me. Yet not what I will, but what you will”(Mk 14:36). The liberating faith is not always getting what we want. It is rather to trust in all things. It is to love God no matter what.
Third, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego”(19-30). King Nebuchadnezzar was furious. In intense anger the king ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded that they all thrown 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.
In the fiery furnace they were freed from bondage. When God was with them they could rejoice in God. When God was with them they could rejoice in God and danced in the flaming fire. Many Bible scholars say that the fourth man is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ suffered in the fiery furnace with them. Jesus Christ rescued them from the harm’s way. Such remarkable delivery is quite rare but it happens. Nebuchadnezzar approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"(26) 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."(27). The king praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He also decreed that in the province of Babylon no one would dare to defy this God. Nebuchadnezzar did not repent of his sin. God deals with him severely in the next chapter. Anyway, this chapter is a happy ending story. However, not all faithful people end in that way.
This week I would introduce Dietrich Bonhoeffer. It was during my college sophomore years I read some of his books, “The Cost of Discipleship”, “Life Together”, “Spiritual Care” and other prison letters. I found him very inspiring for his scholarship, pastoral care and bold action. His books helped me to commit myself to Christ Jesus. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born on February 4, 1906. His father, Karl Bonhoeffer, was a prominent German psychiatrist in Berlin and his mother, Paula, a mother of prayer, home-schooled their children. Dietrich received his doctorate in theology at the age of only 21. He then studied at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. During this time, he became interested in the African-American Spiritual in Harlem. During World War II, Bonhoeffer actively participated in Confessing Church, which opposed the anti-Jewish policies of Adolf Hitler. He was arrested for his unsuccessful assassination conspiracy in April 1943. After one and half year of imprisonment he was executed by hanging at dawn on April 9, 1945. Having stripped of clothing he was tortured to death. His other prominent friends including Admiral Wilhelm Canaris also died in the same way. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a scholar, pastor, and a man of action. He is a representative of many faithful people of faith.
In conclusion, Nebuchadnezzar represents forces in this world that may take away our devotion to God. Yet, God is able to save us. So in good times taste God’s goodness and his love. In time of fiery test be joyfully faithful to him just as many Christians throughout ages did. Until then, spend much time with God. Be holy. Walk with God. Love him. Be faithful to him. Pay small cost for Christ Jesus along the way. Some day God even grants us courageous faith like these three friends of Daniel. Therefore, follow Christ daily.
February 17, 2008. Toledo UBF.
First, Nebuchadnezzar set up the image of gold (1-7). Look at verse 1: "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.” After listening to the interpretation of his dream, Nebuchadnezzar feared the God of Daniel. Soon he forgot the main point of the dream. He only remembered Daniel's word that he was the head of gold of the huge statute (2:38b). He probably thought that he should do something to make his kingdom to endure forever. So he set up a huge statue similar to what he had seen in his dream. It was ninety feet high, and nine feet wide, and he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. It was about the size of a nine story building. Sitting in the middle of the plain, it reflected the light of the sun so that people from miles around could see it. It became the symbol of Babylonian glory.
The dedication ceremony of the image of gold was fantastic. High up in the center was a golden royal box where King Nebuchadnezzar and his wife were present. One stage lower were several hundred silver royal boxes for his high officials and their wives. On the third stage were several thousand bronze royal boxes for subject kings and their diplomats. Underneath were several thousands chairs lined up for all the dignitaries of all nations of all languages. In another corner were several hundreds of musicians with their instruments and behind them several thousands flags were standing in colorful lines. At one corner of an entrance soldiers were ready to parade in honor of the king.
The dedication ceremony was thoroughly prepared. Now 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."(4b-6). Nebuchadnezzar represents the absolute power without God. It is completely oppressive. All people had to conform to the king's will. Because of the threat of death, nobody would ever dare to defy this order. Emperors such as Nero of the Roman Empire and many dictators forced people to abandon their lives. Even now, so many people live in nations that they are not free to worship God and live according to their faith.
Living in this country we may feel free from such fearful situation. However, in the end times, the anti-Christ will force everyone, small and great, rich and 0poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead. Either worship this anti-Christ or be killed. People (Rev 13:15-17). How can anyone be prepared for such horrible days?
Second, “We will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up”(8-18). Some astrologers saw Daniel's three friends standing aloof and denounced them, saying, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego pay no attention to you, O King. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up"(12). These astrologers, who denounced them, were political rivals and opponents. They held grudges against them because the inferior race, the Jews, occupied the governorship. When they denounced them, they were sure that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would be put into the blazing furnace. They were filled with sadistic joy.
The king loved these three young men. So he did not immediately put them into the blazing fire, but wanted to give them a second chance. So the king summoned them and said, "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?" (15,16)
What did they answer? Look at verses 16-18:"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." (16-18). These friends were united in their action. They expressed their confidence in God’s power. Almighty God delivered their forefathers out of the tight grip of Pharoah, king of Egypt. (Ex. 15:2; Ps. 105:37). God enabled them to cross the Red Sea as on dry land. (Ex.15:8; Ps. 106:9). Probably they remembered Isaiah 43:2, "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." Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego trusted God who is able to save them. Our God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He raised Christ from the dead. Our God is the God of resurrection. Therefore, our God is able to save us, rescue us from any harm’s ways. God is able to make us more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. (Ro. 8:35). This is a very important component of our faith. God is able. All things are possible with God.
How do we acquire such faith? It is through the Bible studies. We remember what God has done throughout ages for his people. We also experience evidences of God’s practical hands on our lives. In Last National Staff Meeting Dr. Alan Wolf shared a moving testimony. During his undergraduate years, he was so lost that he was expelled from Northwestern University with 1.4 GPA. Years later he received a Ph.D. from this very school. His testimony? The grace of God. His point? Nothing is impossible with God! Many of us experience God’s victory in our lives—by faith! We acknowledge God in all things. So we pray for our common trials of life. We pray for health, jobs, children, and any issues and problems and trials in this life. In the early period of our journey God graciously allows us to experience his saving powers in practical matters. Hearing the testimonies of young Christians are exciting because they feel God’s loving care even in very ordinary events in life. Many experience God’s answers to our prayers. As we acknowledge God in all things, we see that God makes our paths straight. We all need such experiences of God who is able to hear us and save us.
Look at verse 18. "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." They loved God with all their hearts. They tasted the goodness of God in their lives. In view of God’s great love for them they did not mind dying for their faith. They were willing to glorify God even with their death. Their faith in God's love reminds us of Romans 8:38,39."For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Nothing in all creation can separate us from God. Because of God’s love it does not really matter when or how or why we die.
Here, we must consider another aspect of faith. It is to trust God in all things. It is to love God in all things. Such commitment is based on deep love for God. How can we grow in such faith in God? It is the gift of God. It is also the results of our long walk with God. Valentine’s Day is over. It is the day of thinking about love. Our souls are yearning for love—that is true love. Such love is based on unconditional commitment. Such love is unfailing love.
One missionary friend engaged in 1:1 ministry while pursuing Ph.D. in Engineering. After 5 years of hard work he got his Ph.D. and went back to Korea. People thought that he would become a very fruitful professor shepherd at the Korean Military Academy. One day he was hit by a car while crossing the road. Thousands of people prayed for him but after two years of intense struggle he died. His only son grew up in faith through the loving care of his widow mother. Yesterday I received an invitation to his wedding. I will be there to bless their faith.
Some of us are tried by chronic and painful sicknesses that doctors cannot figure out. We do not face such fiery trials as Daniel's three friends face. We pray earnestly for certain things. We believe that God is able to bless us. What if not all prayers are answered? What do you do? Are you free to love God even when God does not answer your particular prayers? Can you pray just as Jesus did in the Mount of Gethsemane? “Abba Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup form me. Yet not what I will, but what you will”(Mk 14:36). The liberating faith is not always getting what we want. It is rather to trust in all things. It is to love God no matter what.
Third, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego”(19-30). King Nebuchadnezzar was furious. In intense anger the king ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded that they all thrown 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.
In the fiery furnace they were freed from bondage. When God was with them they could rejoice in God. When God was with them they could rejoice in God and danced in the flaming fire. Many Bible scholars say that the fourth man is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ suffered in the fiery furnace with them. Jesus Christ rescued them from the harm’s way. Such remarkable delivery is quite rare but it happens. Nebuchadnezzar approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"(26) 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."(27). The king praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He also decreed that in the province of Babylon no one would dare to defy this God. Nebuchadnezzar did not repent of his sin. God deals with him severely in the next chapter. Anyway, this chapter is a happy ending story. However, not all faithful people end in that way.
This week I would introduce Dietrich Bonhoeffer. It was during my college sophomore years I read some of his books, “The Cost of Discipleship”, “Life Together”, “Spiritual Care” and other prison letters. I found him very inspiring for his scholarship, pastoral care and bold action. His books helped me to commit myself to Christ Jesus. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born on February 4, 1906. His father, Karl Bonhoeffer, was a prominent German psychiatrist in Berlin and his mother, Paula, a mother of prayer, home-schooled their children. Dietrich received his doctorate in theology at the age of only 21. He then studied at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. During this time, he became interested in the African-American Spiritual in Harlem. During World War II, Bonhoeffer actively participated in Confessing Church, which opposed the anti-Jewish policies of Adolf Hitler. He was arrested for his unsuccessful assassination conspiracy in April 1943. After one and half year of imprisonment he was executed by hanging at dawn on April 9, 1945. Having stripped of clothing he was tortured to death. His other prominent friends including Admiral Wilhelm Canaris also died in the same way. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a scholar, pastor, and a man of action. He is a representative of many faithful people of faith.
In conclusion, Nebuchadnezzar represents forces in this world that may take away our devotion to God. Yet, God is able to save us. So in good times taste God’s goodness and his love. In time of fiery test be joyfully faithful to him just as many Christians throughout ages did. Until then, spend much time with God. Be holy. Walk with God. Love him. Be faithful to him. Pay small cost for Christ Jesus along the way. Some day God even grants us courageous faith like these three friends of Daniel. Therefore, follow Christ daily.
February 17, 2008. Toledo UBF.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. NIV®;. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
