Blueprint for Change II
Formula for Change • Sermon • Submitted
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· 46 viewsThe refusal to bend to pressure, bow to idols, and burn [be consumed] in the fire, allows us to realize God's promise, experience His presence, and revel in His preservation of and promotion for us.
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Changing the World
Changing the World
Good afternoon! I’m glad to see everyone back for a third service today. Some of you think you’re out here to support me, and I certainly appreciate that. But I’m pretty sure the reason for this extra service was that the Dolphins were playing the Patriots this evening, and there’s no way two services of prayer alone were enough. We definitely need all the prayer we can get! LOL
Seriously, I want to thank God for this calling, and Dr. Hughes for his leadership, tutelage, opportunity and platform. I’m thankful for so many of you that have supported me on this journey with your prayers and presence today, and my parents for raising my brother and I in a way that we couldn’t help but know who the Lord is. But, the most important thanks and acknowledgement, behind only our Lord and Savior, goes to my Rib, my Butterfly, my Queen, Sarah. Min sumo bo!
Turn with me to .
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
:
Prayer
Seriously, I want to thank God for this calling, Dr. Hughes for his leadership, tutelage, opportunity and platform. I’m thankful for so many of you that have supported me on this journey with your prayers and presence today, and my parents for raising my brother and I in a way that we couldn’t help but know who the Lord is. But, the most important thanks and acknowledgement goes to my Rib, my Butterfly, my Queen, Sarah. Min sumo bo!
“For revival is not a green valley getting greener, but a valley full of dry bones being made to live again and stand up an exceeding great army (). It is not good Christians becoming better Christians - as God sees us there are not any good Christians - but rather Christians honestly confessing that their Christian life is a valley of dry bones and by that very confession qualifying for the grace that flows from the cross and makes all things new.”
This is something William Fay sought to address in illustrating a dream he once had. In it, there’s a woman clutching her young daughter, trying desperately to keep their heads above water. Nearby, there was a man struggling to do the same as waves crashed into him. “All around, the ocean churned with drowning people, gasping for air and desperately trying to push their heads above the surface.” Then a huge rock appeared and a voice called into the darkness. People began climbing upon that rock to safety. Then the most peculiar thing occured. Once upon the rock, people got real busy - building rock gardens, working rock jobs, listening to rock music, and going to rock meetings (where they talked about all the people who were still drowning in the ocean). But no one went back out to try to help those very people they were talking about.
William Fay, the author of Sharing Jesus without Fear, and a former atheist, describes a dream he once had. In it, there’s a woman clutching her young daughter, trying desperately to keep their heads above water. Nearby, there was a man struggling to do the same as waves crashed into him. “All around, the ocean churned with drowning people, gasping for air and desperately trying to push their heads above the surface.” Then a huge rock appeared and a voice called into the darkness. People began climbing upon that rock to safety. Then the most peculiar thing occured. Once upon the rock, people got real busy - building rock gardens, working rock jobs, listening to rock music, and going to rock meetings (where they talked about all the people who were still drowning in the ocean). But no one went back out to try to help those very people they were talking about.
Fay surmised this is the condition of our church in this world. The rock was the cross at Calvary. The voice they heard was Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, inviting them to come join Him. And just like the dream, so many who are now saved get so busy and involved in the safety of the rock that they forget what it was like to be drowning in our own sin. They’ve forgotten to reach out to those that are still drowning. Fay’s contention is that a revival was needed, and this revival is one of Christians proactively sharing the Gospel with the world.
I’d say that while there is certainly a need for the sharing - for it’s actually commanded of us in the Great Commission. Just as important is the need to live the Gospel for the world. See, the world is tired of lip service. It’s tired of hearing folks preaching a political ideology based on their Christianity, while at the same time asking their mistress to have an abortion. Wait, what?!! We can share all we want, but if our actions aren’t matching our words, even the secular world has a disdain for that. The three young men we’ll study in chapter 3 have their names mentioned more times than the number of sentences they speak. There’s more action than words from these young men, and that’s a lesson in and of itself.
And whether you’re vision is to “impact the world for Christ,” (as with FCA) or on a mission to “win the world for Christ,” (FBCPG) we’re all still in the world changing business. And it’s the living the Word, that allows us to credibly share Word, which ultimately leads to changing the world.
It’s easy to proclaim the goodness of the Lord when things are going your way. What about when things get rough? You’re two weeks away from being evicted, and there’s an opportunity to guarantee your stay, but it’ll require something funny for a little money. You didn’t get that financial aide package you hoped, but there’s an opportunity to do something strange for a little change… What do you do? The world is watching. The question begs, How do we live the Word when we’re in a bind? We don’t BEND to pressure, we don’t BOW to idols, and BURN when the heat gets turned up. This is our “Blueprint for Change.”
We’re going to step back to see how our Hebrew boys got into this predicament, we’ll study how they got through it, and focus on how we can utilize this blueprint to traverse the fiery furnaces of our lives, so that we can effectively witness to and change the world for Jesus.
For it’s the living the Word, that allows us to credibly share Word, which ultimately leads to changing the world.
“Blueprint for Change”
“Blueprint for Change”
Here we are. God’s people have broken faith with Him by continually rebelling against Him, His Word, and His mandates. For this, God judged His people by sending them a new leader. This leader was born with a silver spoon. His wealth was amassed by building upon the fortunes accumulated by his father. During his inaugural address, he spoke of legacy and sought the adulation from rulers/leaders around the world. And he had this things for walls… He wanted his territory surrounded by a huge wall with a big beautiful golden gate. He was a bit of a narcissist; He longed to have his architectural creations recognized as “wonders of the world,” and wanted just about everything branded with his symbol. It’s been said that he’s a bit temperamental, as well. He acts impulsively/hastily, and loves to be surrounded by “yes” men. There were some rumors that while in power, he even lost his mind.
Yes. I know what you’re thinking. Better yet, I know who you’re thinking... King Nebuchadnezzar. And the year is 587 BC.
opens with King Nebuchadnezzar having a 90 foot tall statue of himself being erected. Why? At the end of chapter two, Daniel interpreted the king’s dream and declared:
37 You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory,
37 You, O king, the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the might, and the glory, 38 and into whose hand he has given, wherever they dwell, the children of man, the beasts of the field, and the birds of the heavens, making you rule over them all—you are the head of gold.
Daniel 2: We read where the king is upset because they wouldn’t bow to his idol, and their response to it. It’s in their response that the formula for change is revealed.
Nebuchadnezzar had gotten a little full of himself. He heard some good news about himself and his status, and completely forgot about his own declaration at the end of chapter two, when he proclaimed to Daniel, “your God is God of gods and Lord of kings...”
We read where the king is upset because they wouldn’t bow to his idol, and their response to it. It’s in their response that the formula for change is revealed.
47 The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.”
Daniel 2: We read where the king is upset because they wouldn’t bow to his idol, and their response to it. It’s in their response that the formula for change is revealed.
Sadly, there are a bunch of Nebuchadnezzars today talking about “in two Corinthians”, but evidently are even too good to ask God for forgiveness for anything.
Look, I don’t care how successful you are, how much you’re worth, how smart you are, or how fast you can run. No matter your lot in life, be careful of falling into the trap of thinking too highly of yourself. It’s God who’s the king maker!
Ok, y’all don’t feel me over here. Let me try this side… I don’t care how successful you are, how much you’re worth, how smart you are, or how fast you can run. No matter your lot in life, be careful of falling into the trap of thinking too highly of yourself. It’s God who’s the king maker!
says:
“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
20 Daniel answered and said:
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
to whom belong wisdom and might.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
Daniel 2:20-22We read the beginning of , and want to judge Nebuchadnezzar for his vanity and narcissism because he’s erected a statue of himself for others to bow down to. Yet We read where the king is upset because they wouldn’t bow to his idol, and their response to it. It’s in their response that the formula for change is revealed.
Yes, we all have to put in work, but we can only operate within the capacities that God’s ordained. We’ve accomplished what we’ve accomplished through God’s grace. He sets up and removes kings, He can do the same for POTUS’s, CEOs, Pastors, Principals, Professional athletes, as well. There’s not limit to His reach. When we begin acknowledging from Whom we’ve obtained our positions, and show some humility, God will use us, and the world will begin to listen to what we have to say. Until then, we’re no different than them.
1 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” 7 Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. 9 They declared to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree, that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. 11 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Chapter 3 opens up with the building of the statue, the king gathering all his high officials for the dedication of the image, and then the proclamation that when music is played everyone is to fall down and worship the image. And in verse 6, it says:
We read where the king is upset because they wouldn’t bow to his idol, and their response to it. It’s in their response that the formula for change is revealed.
Chapter 3, versus 1-5 discuss the building of the statue, the king gathering all his high officials for the dedication of the image, and then the proclamation that when music is played everyone is to fall down and worship the image.
6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.”
7 Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
We read where the king is upset because they wouldn’t bow to his idol, and their response to it. It’s in their response that the formula for change is revealed.
This idea of throwing people into the furnace wasn’t a new one. This wasn’t hyperbole. This was a common punishment from the days of Rim Sin of Larsa, some 1200 years earlier. So, if someone violated this command, they realistically knew what they were up against.
So the music was played, and everyone in the land fell down and worshiped the image - except the three. Now, the king wouldn’t have known, except the Chaldeans snitched on them. They were already jealous of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (or Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah - their original names), because these Jews, these foreigners, these captives, were placed in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon.
Here’s another quick lesson, and I’ll throw this in for free. Know that when God elevates you, your enemies will come after you. The Bible said, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” It didn’t say weapons wouldn’t be formed… so in the common day vernacular - stay woke!
This brings us to our reading beginning in verse 13. The king is upset because they wouldn’t bow to his idol.
Isaiah 46
It’s crazy that in the entire land, only three didn’t fall when the music was played. Were they the only Jews in the land? No. After conquering Judah, Nebuchadnezzar had the Judean captives sent to Babylonia. There were at least around 800 to 4,000 Jews in the province around this time. So imagine being in a place where everyone is doing something that goes against your faith... even people of your faith! They could have been like the rest of the Jews just to fit in. No need to rock the boat… But they didn’t. Why?
remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
-3B + 3T = 4P
Isaiah
or put another way: “Remember the things I have done in the past...”
Okay, I’ll simplify it for you...
Now, it’s tough to authenticate whether they would have been able to know this due to time proximity, but the Three had already experienced God’s goodness back in chapter one, when they refused the diet of the king, they came out healthier and better nourished than everyone else who had been eating the food and wine assigned by the king. For their trust and faithfulness in and to God, they were given “an unusual aptitude for understanding,” from God, and no one impressed the king more than them and Daniel.
That’s why these three didn’t bend. What about us?
How many times have you been at work, and everyone’s talking about heading to the “gentlemen’s club” afterwards for some drinks? What about the pressure of keeping quite about something a teammate did (like an incident at university of Tennessee), because the rest of the team is adhering to some code? Much like the Hebrew boys, we have to refuse to bend to the pressures of society, when it flies in the face of what God’s called us to be. It’s not easy, and it sometimes means there will be some lying in wait for us to go against the grain, just so they can call attention to us in a negative way.
Why We Don’t Bend
Why We Don’t Bend
3(-B + T) = 4P
When we don’t BEND to pressure, BOW to idols, or BURN (be consumed) when the heat’s turned up, powered by our TRUST in God (His power and sovereignty), we’re able to realize His PROMISE to us, experience His PRESENCE, receive His gift of PRESERVATION, and witness His PROMOTION.
Here’s why we dont’ BEND!
Don’t Bend
Don’t Bend
We dont’ BEND!
We don’t bend because because we DO have the luxury of knowing what was written in Isaiah. We also know what tells us that “God is faithful. He won’t allow us to be tempted (or pressured) beyond what we can stand. And that He’ll always provide a way of escape so that we can endure it.”
There was this missionary, home on leave, shopping for a globe of the world to take back to her mission station. The clerk showed her a reasonably priced globe and another one with a light bulb inside. “This is nicer,” the clerk said, pointing to the illuminated globe, “but of course, a lighted world costs more.”
Yes, there’s a cost to light the world! We don’t bend, because we’ve done like Jesus said in , and we’ve already count the cost to follow Him. And sometimes being who God called us to be, means going against the world. It may mean not getting a promotion, losing a girlfriend, and or even a job. But praise be to God, He says “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.” This is why we don’t bend.
If we’re going to walk this Christian walk, let’s be sure to do as Jesus says in , and figure out what it’ll cost you to follow Him.
:
28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?
28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
34 “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Luke 14:28
Sometimes being who God called us to be, and going against the world, has a cost. But when you know Who you serve, it becomes easier to TRUST in Him in spite of everything around you.
Sometimes being who God called us to be, and going against the world, has a cost. But when you know Who you serve, it becomes easier to TRUST in Him in spite of everything around you. They already experienced God’s goodness back in chapter one, when they refused the diet of the king, they came out healthier and better nourished than everyone else who had been eating the food and wine assigned by the king. For their trust and faithfulness in and to God, they were given “an unusual aptitude for understanding,” from God, and no one impressed the king more than them and Daniel.
Now everyone gets excited when they read these next verses:
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
These young boys wouldn’t bow for three reasons:
They know that God is a jealous God, and they’re not to worship any other gods.
But they a
They trusted in God’s power; they knew the stories of God bringing them out of Egypt. They weren’t wading in the water. God split it so that the thousands could cross through on dry land, while bringing the waves back in time to crush the enemies.
But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
3. They trusted in God’s sovereignty; they understood, first, that they didn’t necessarily deserve His deliverance. But also, they heard the stories of Job and his conversation and experience with God. They recognized that His plans are too big for us to understand. The remembered when Job was complaining about why he had to go through all that he went through, God was like, “who are you?!! Where were you when the entire universe was created?”
Those were their reasons. And us?
Don’t Bow
Don’t Bow
When a lot of people get to this section on bowing to idols, many will say, “well I wouldn’t bow to any statue either.” I feel ya. But let’s see.
Merriam-Webster defines an idol as: a symbol of an object of worship; a false god; an object of extreme devotion.
Bottom line: Anything we place higher than God is in fact our idol.
Let’s do a quiz. Don’t raise your hand, because I don’t want you snitching on yourself.
How many of us wake up and check social media as the first thing we do? Don’t raise your hand!!! Keep a mental note.
How many of us tip more than 20% and the bar, club, or restaurant, but give less than 10 in church?
Some of us aren’t that good in math. If you’re buying a bottle at the club, and dropping $5 in church, that’s you!
If you slept with someone, knowing it’s wrong, because you didn’t want to lose them, or because you simply wanted to feel good? You’ve placed that person or your gratification over God. You’re bowing!!! (I probably lost some of you on that one)
We love the part about God is able to deliver us...”
He’s able to deliver us from the king’s hands, but not from rent increases? That’s why we’re shacking up with our girlfriend/boyfriend to save money? Com’on! We’ll vote for a grown man who preys on teenage girls, or serial liars who brag about sexually assaulting others, because we want our country to be great again. What happened to “our God is able to deliver us…?” Or the other side who’ll vote for someone who’d light up the White house in rainbow colors, because maybe he’ll address racial inequality or social injustice issues… as if God needs our help. We’ve just put tax breaks and free healthcare above God. We’re calling God a liar... that He’s not able to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think...” We’re bowing!!! And the world is watching.
Why We Don’t BOW!
Why We Don’t BOW!
Why We Don’t BOW!
Why We Don’t BOW!
Why We Don’t BOW!
Why We Don’t BOW!
Here’s why we don’t Bow
We don’t bow because
He’s able to deliver us from the king’s hands, but not from rent increases? That’s why we’re shacking up with our girlfriend/boyfriend to save money? Com’on! We’ll vote for a grown man who preys on teenage girls, or serial liars who brag about sexually assaulting others, because we want our country to be great again. What happened to “our God is able to deliver us…?” Or the other side who’ll vote for someone who’d light up the White house in rainbow colors, because maybe he’ll address racial inequality or social injustice issues… as if God needs our help. We’ve just put tax breaks and free healthcare above God. We’re calling God a liar... that He’s not able to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think...” We’re bowing!!! And the world is watching.
We’ve just put tax breaks and free healthcare above God. Everyone gets excited when they read these verses:
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
Daniel
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life; do you understand what was done to give you eternal life? To put anything/anyone ahead of Him is to spit on that sacrifice.
He’s able to deliver us from the king’s hands, but not from rent that’s due next week? That’s why we’re shacking up with our girlfriend/boyfriend to save money. Com’on! We’re calling God a liar, that He’s not able to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think...”
He is our refuge, strength, and strong tower we can run to
We want to think that we have that type of faith, but We’re bowing!!! And the world is watching.
We’ve just put tax breaks and free healthcare above God.
Trust Him! Trust in his power to deliver you. But in order to trust Him, you have to get to know Him. That means getting that ratio of time on social media to time in His presence in check. I spent countless hours on the phone with my wife before I knew I could trust her. Yeah, she looks innocent and all. But I wasn’t going to open a joint account with her on looks alone. We had to get to know each other. I needed to see some consistency in the things she said matched against what she did.
Some of us have some nice looking Bibles. I’d suggest you spend some quality time in them so you get to know the Creator of all things. Read about His goodness, and look back over your life to recognize His faithfulness to you.
And if we’re faced with the “but if not”:
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
1 Peter 3:14-15
We not only have the advantage of their story, but we have the great cloud witnesses whose faith were rewarded with God’s faithfulness. We know about Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. We know about God’s faithfulness to deliver when the Israelites were at the Red Sea, and when they marched around Jericho for seven days.
Now, once you’ve chosen to stand firm on God’s word and in obedience, things will sometimes get a little hot. Don’t be consumed by what you’re in, but focus on Who you’re in.
18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
These young men were testifying not only to God’s ability, but also His divine wisdom. They remembered God’s retort to Job when he was complaining , “Who is this that questions my wisdom?… Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?… Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”
They understood that they had no right to presume He’d rescue them, but they feared offending Him more than enduring the king’s consequence. We must be willing to take the ‘L’s sometimes. It may mean losing an election, losing a contract, losing a boyfriend/girlfriend, and in some parts of the world, losing a life. We can’t simply hearers and talkers or the Word, but not doers of the Word.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
When we’re willing to suffer the consequences of our commitment to God, the world will take notice. Until then, acquiescence gives them every reason to scoff at us, and our faith.
Why We Don’t Burn (get consumed)
Why We Don’t Burn (get consumed)
Don’t Burn [be consumed by]
Don’t Burn [be consumed by]
They didn’t bow, and king’s feelings were hurt. Now he’s upset. He hastily orders the furnace heated seven time hotter than usual, and that the three Hebrews tied up by the strongest men he had, making the Hebrews wear the most flammable clothing ensemble ever. Verse 22:
Because the king’s order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Don’t be consumed by the heat
Once you’ve chosen to stand firm on God’s word and in obedience, things will sometimes get a little hot. Don’t be consumed by what you’re in, but focus on Who you’re in.
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. 22 Because the king’s order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace.
Daniel 3:19-
I can’t help but laugh when I read that part. I think about what David wrote when he was fleeing and hiding from Saul:
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
The very people who were charged with leading the Hebrew boys to the fire were consumed by it before they even got there. These boys didn’t let the fire get to them because they stayed focus on God. They knew what David had written. So as they were getting closer, and people are dying around them, they didn’t panic. They did the opposite. You won’t see it here, but historically, in the Prayer of Azariah it says:
And they walked about in the midst of the flames, singing hymns to God and blessing the Lord. 2 Then Azari′ah stood and offered this prayer;
And his prayer wasn’t, “Lawd, if you get me out of this, I promise I’ll never do ___ again!” No, they prayed thanking Him for who He was, and asking that if His will was for them to die, that it not be in vein... That His people would remember who they were, in Him.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”
The focus part is so important. When we TENACIOUSLY pursue and focus on God, we’re not compromised by the flames that surround us.
What a lot of us are hoping when we say, “but if not,” is that we’ll never get to the fire. We’re praying that He does something supernatural before we get there. Maybe have Tom Cruise, 007, or Jason Bourne pop out and rescue us. Amazingly, God often uses the fires of life to loosen the ropes in our lives and set us free. tells us that
[marching towards the flames] “I’ll never bow! I’ll never bow!”
[getting closer to the flames] “I’ll neve— whew… that’s hot… —never bow!”
[first guard dies] “I’ll n— did he just die? I’ll — him too? Hold up, hold up...”
What a lot of us are hoping when we say, “but if not,” is that we’ll never get to the fire. We’re praying that He does something supernatural before we get there. Maybe have Tom Cruise, 007, or Jason Bourne pop out and rescue us. Amazingly, God often uses the fires of life to loosen the ropes in our lives and set us free. tells us that
Amazingly, God often uses the fires of life to loosen the ropes in our lives and set us free. tells us that
God is a refiner’s fire. He purifies us in the fire. He uses the fire of trials to set us free and purify us for service. Always remember that the size of the furnace you are in is a compliment to your faith. The hotter the furnace, the more silver and gold God is producing in you. The hotter the fire, the greater the work God is doing and planning to do in and through you. It has been said that a silversmith heats the silver till he can see his reflection in it. At that point, he knows that the silver is pure and ready for the best use. Dear friends, God heats up the furnace of life so they we can be purified and reflect His nature in us.”
We’ll also get to experience His presence. As God’s children, we’re told He’ll never leave us nor forsake us. Jesus tells us “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
That business partner who’s upset because you wouldn’t hang with them and the potential investor after meetings, and now they’re trying to work a deal behind you… Turns out the investor never wanted to go out anyway, and values loyalty. Now they’ve made a new deal contingent upon the removal of that partner. It happens. I’ve seen it! That guy that you thought you really loved, and was pressuring you to compromise your values. You didn’t want to lose him, but you loved God more. Turns out, the guy had been cheating for a while anyway, and has an STD. Staying focused on your Light and Salvation will keep you from being consumed while in the fire.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
Of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.
4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
8 You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
9 Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the Lord will take me in.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they breathe out violence.
13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
,
13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
The very people who were charged with leading the Hebrew boys to the fire were consumed by it before they even got there. That business partner who’s upset because you wouldn’t hang with them and the potential investor after meetings, and now they’re trying to work a deal behind you… Turns out the investor never wanted to go out anyway, and values loyalty. Now they’ve made a new deal contingent upon the removal of that partner. It happens. I’ve seen it! That guy that you thought you really loved, and was pressuring you to compromise your values. You didn’t want to lose him, but you loved God more. Turns out, the guy had been cheating for a while anyway, and has an STD. Staying focused on your Light and Salvation will keep you from being consumed while in the fire.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”
Daniel 3:24
3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.
God is a refiner’s fire. He purifies us in the fire. He uses the fire of trials to set us free and purify us for service. Always remember that the size of the furnace you are in is a compliment to your faith. The hotter the furnace, the more silver and gold God is producing in you. The hotter the fire, the greater the work God is doing and planning to do in and through you. It has been said that a silversmith heats the silver till he can see his reflection in it. At that point, he knows that the silver is pure and ready for the best use. Dear friends, God heats up the furnace of life so they we can be purified and reflect His nature in us.”
tells us that God is a refiner’s fire. He purifies us in the fire. He uses the fire of trials to set us free and purify us for service. Always remember that the size of the furnace you are in is a compliment to your faith. The hotter the furnace, the more silver and gold God is producing in you. The hotter the fire, the greater the work God is doing and planning to do in and through you. It has been said that a silversmith heats the silver till he can see his reflection in it. At that point, he knows that the silver is pure and ready for the best use. Dear friends, God heats up the furnace of life so they we can be purified and reflect His nature in us.
tells us that God is a refiner’s fire. He purifies us in the fire. He uses the fire of trials to set us free and purify us for service. Always remember that the size of the furnace you are in is a compliment to your faith. The hotter the furnace, the more silver and gold God is producing in you. The hotter the fire, the greater the work God is doing and planning to do in and through you. It has been said that a silversmith heats the silver till he can see his reflection in it. At that point, he knows that the silver is pure and ready for the best use. Dear friends, God heats up the furnace of life so they we can be purified and reflect His nature in us.”
We’ll also get to experience His presence. As God’s children, we’re told He’ll never leave us nor forsake us. Jesus tells us “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The Hebrew’s willingness to be faithful to God no matter the circumstance allowed them to ultimately be PRESERVED by God. So much so, that even their clothes were completely intact.
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. 27 And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them.
Daniel 3:
I don’t know about you, but my wife doesn’t even want me cooking in the morning for fear that her clothes will carry the smell of food while at work. There wasn’t even the smell of fire/smoke on these guys who weren’t just in the fire, but fully dressed in flammable wear!
Finally, the reason we do all these things is for PROMOTION. And yes, it’s possible that we’ll experience promotion in status, finances, relationship, and everything else because of our faithfulness, and refusal to bend and bow. But the most important promotion is that of the Kingdom. It’s our rigidity in the midst of a storm that make people take notice and say, “there’s something different about that person who calls themselves a Christian. I don’t know how they had the strength to stand up to the boss. I don’t know how they had the courage to walk away from that lucrative deal.”
Daniel 3:
28 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
The King, and through his proclamation, the kingdom were changed because they now recognized the God or Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego... our God, as the God who is able to rescue. These just aren’t old testament stories y’all.
The reason I can’t/won’t be consumed when going through the fire is Jesus. Plain and simple. I was just talking to my wife the other day about how the more I go through trials, the more I’ve learned to appreciate them while in the midst of them. It seems crazy. Maybe it’s the little glimpses of the other side He permits me, or the benefit of hindsight once He’s brought me through.
Perhaps, the reason I can’t worry about the fiery furnaces I have to deal with here,… and maybe it’s just me…, but I know the burning fiery furnace I was already headed to. I didn’t have to worry about some king ordering his hit-men to tie me up and force me into the chamber. I was bound in my sin and walking there all on my own.
Then Jesus stepped in! Nebuchadnezzar thought he saw something that looked like the sons of gods, little g. I KNOW that with me is THE Son of GOD!! And that because of His love for me, not only do I get to come out without a single hair burnt, or any char on my clothes, but that I come out white as snow. I don’t have to worry about the “but if not,” when it comes to my eternal salvation. And it’s because of that, I’ll never bend, bow, or burn. And that’s why you shouldn’t either!
And When Christians begin acting like Christians, the world will take us seriously. And when Christians begin sharing the word of God, the world will listen. When they listen, they can believe. And something amazing happens when we believe. We become changed:
[in my best Rocky voice]: And I become changed. And you become changed. And everyone in here is changed.... This whole world can be changed!!!!