Spurling Silver: A Time to Stand a Time to Bow, Daniel 3:13-30

COURAGE

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego had a solid knowledge of God’s Word. (As looked at last week.)

They knew they should not bow before king Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, even though it was the law of the land, even though the rest of the world was bowing, even though not to bow meant a swift, horrific, painful death, by being burned alive.

In addition, and just as important, they had the courage to stand on God’s Word, no matter the circumstances.

Ephesians 6:13, Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”

Obviously these three were well known to the king, since he called them by name.

The king must’ve respected them or he’d have killed them without ever giving them a second chance.

Perhaps that’s why he was so enraged because he didn’t want to do what he might have to do; kill a few of his best men.

But his pride wouldn’t let him back out on his command. Notice how his ego flares when he says, “Who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.

¹⁷ If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.

Oh, dear Nebby, we don’t even have to think about how to answer–it’s a no-brainer.

We’ll reply but not comply. No matter what.

WHEN IT COMES TO OBEYING GOD’S WORD, CONSIDERING CONSEQUENCES ONLY CAUSES CONFUSION.

Our God is able to deliver from the fiery furnace.

And He will deliver from your hand.

God is able to deliver from whatever fiery trial the world sends our way.

He will deliver from evil... if we let Him.

They chose rather to suffer than to sin.

If we stick with Him, no matter what happens we’ll receive a far more exceeding eternal weight of glory, that can’t even be compared to this light momentary fight of affliction. 2 Cor. 4:16-18.

However...

Hebrews 10:26-27; For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, ²⁷ But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

So, actually, it’s sin, that leads to suffering. Eternal suffering, if we willfully remain in it.

They resolved, as we must, rather to die in integrity than live in iniquity.

They not only had the knowledge of what to do, they courageously did it.

James 4:17, Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Joshua 1:8-9, This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

I’ve taken this walk with my kids and grandkids, when they were small.

I’d ask, “Do you know where we’re at?”

They’d say, “Nope.”

A little later I’d say, “Do you know the way home?”

Without a care in the world, they’d say, “Nope.”

At just the right time I’d ask, “It’s getting dark, are you scared?”

“Nope” would come the reply.

“What?” I’d ask. “You don’t know where we’re at, or the way home and it’s getting dark, how come you’re not scared?”

They’d just smile and say, “Cuz, you’re with me, Papa!”

So, if you’re walking with Papa, and sickness, or sorrow, or lack, or famine, or torment or tribulation, or death by fiery furnace, comes along do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

1 John 4:8. God is Love.

1 John 4:18, There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love

Hebrews 13:6; So, we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear what man can do to me”

Isaiah 43;2; When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.

Psalm 27:1; The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

The Bible is clear. Do not fear.

Guess who tops the passenger list on the train bound for, the lake of fire:

Revelation 21:8, But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”

Do not fear.

Lord Jesus, help us to know Your Presence so near, that no matter what or where, we will not fear, because You are with us.

18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

COVENANT

They knew what to do. They had the courage to stand and not bow.

Then, the greatest testimony shines through in their unshakable conviction, their unwavering commitment to their non-negotiable covenant with their God... even unto death.

But if not...

Even if it doesn’t go our way, we’re still not bowing, still not turning back. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord our God who gives and takes away. Either way, we praise Him.

This is the covenant He’s looking for.

Like the two couple's marriage vows taken just this week right here in our little community, for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.

It’s what Jesus meant when He took the cup and said, “This is the new covenant in My blood shed for you.” Luke 22:20.

What Jesus showed in Gethsemane, broken, sweating blood, saying, “Not My will, but Thine.” Luke 22:42.

It’s what we say, here and now.

Lord, even if my prayers don’t get answered the way I want. I’ll still love You.

Even if I don’t get healed, I will still love You.

Through the heart attack, the heart break, the stroke, the brain bleed, the chemo, the pain, the fatigue, the brain fog, I will still love You.

Though the finances fail, I’ll still trust You.

Through marriage trouble, I will love You.

Though our loved one dies, I’ll hold fast to You.

Even if our child doesn’t turn around, we’ll still hope in You.

Even if the baby we long for, never comes, still Lord, we will cling to You.

If we never see the peace we pray for, even still, we will seek You.

No matter what, Lord, we will keep on serving You, loving You.

Like Dave Roever, eight months into his tour of duty in Vietnam.

A phosphorous grenade exploded in his hand. He was burned beyond recognition on over 90% of his body.

During recovery he cried out to God, “Heal me or else!”

“Or, else what?” came God’s still small voice.

“Or else... I'll just keep on serving You, I'll just keep on loving You.”

COVENANT.

God turned Dave’s tragedy into triumph for countless lives as he’s traveled the world sharing the Hope of Jesus to a wounded world.

With God all things are possible.

Daniel 3:19-30

The king wasn't thrilled that the trio’s covenant with God superseded their obedience to him.

He was so furious that he ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter, so hot in fact that the men throwing them in were burned alive.

But the three who wouldn’t bow, wouldn't burn.

Then, the three became four.

Right there standing with them, in the midst of the fire, was what theologians call a Christophany. A pre incarnate appearance of Christ.

Nebs couldn't believe his eyes, he called them out to find not only were they alive, but unharmed, unburned, without even the smell of smoke on their clothes.

Before the day was done, Nebuchadnezzar promoted the fireproof boys and made a decree that anyone who spoke against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego would be cut to pieces and their houses turned to an ash heap.

Those three Hebrew Children weren’t supposed to be alive.

But nothing is impossible with God.

They should've been burned, but the flames didn't kindle upon them.

Nothing is impossible with God.

They should've screamed in pain instead they had a chat with the Son of God

Nothing is impossible with God.

They should've been ashes, but they didn't even smell like smoke.

Nothing is impossible with God.

They faced their giants.

They stood with God.

God stood with them.

Maybe you can say the same.

For nothing is impossible with God

Let’s pray.

Lord Jesus, come what may, it’s in You we trust. Whether You deliver us from the fire or through the fire, we know and take courage in Your covenant with us. So no matter what happens we’ll be with You, and that alone is enough for us to stand for You, and bow to no other.

We love You, forever.

Amen.

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