In the Fiery Furnace

Daniel 3:8-15

Introduction:

1. Nebuchadnezzar decided to build an image (idol) of gold on the plain of Dura. (3:1,2)

a. It would be very visible and impressive: 60 cubits = 90 ft. tall and 6 cubits = 9 ft. wide

b. Nebuchadnezzar knew of the God of Israel, the Most High God, (Daniel 2:47) "Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery."

c. Perhaps the king took too seriously the prophecy of Daniel about being the “head of gold” in the great statue and wanted one for himself.

d. It must have been important to the king for he brought all the officials together and a great orchestra to display the grandeur.

e. The king made a command. (3:4-6) Then the herald loudly proclaimed: "To you the command is given, O peoples, nations and men of every language, that at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe, and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up. But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire."

2. Three kinds of people:

a. Conformers who bowed down to the towering idol

b. Informers who accused Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

1) The Chaldeans filled with jealousy over the prominence of the Jews, since Daniel knew the mystery of the king’s dream

2) They spoke with contempt about “some Jews” would not bow.

3) They turned them in so they could take their places.

c. Transformers Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who stood their ground and showed the power of their God!

Imagine three Hebrews defying the ruler of the world!!

3. Where is Daniel?

a. perhaps he was away on official business

b. perhaps he was ill

c. we just don’t know

Practical Lessons:

1. Righteous People Suffer Persecution

a. 2 Tim. 3:12

b. Phil. 1:29

c. John 15:18-20

d. 1 Pet. 4:12ff.

2. God is able to deliver (3:17-18)

a. Faith clings to the conviction that God is able to save from any danger. But faith also realizes that whether or not God does save is a matter of God’s choosing.

b. Like the three Hebrews facing a fiery death, we must continue to trust in Him.

c. We all get disappointed at times, wondering why things do not turn out as we had wished. But our disappointment often comes from seeing through earthly eyes.

d. Daniel 3:27 the king's high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them.

3. We are not alone (3:25)

a. 2 Tim. 4:16-18

b. In our time of trial Jesus most sure walks with us.

4. These stories are for our encouragement

a. Rom. 15:4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

b. Heb. 11:30-12:1

Conclusion:

1. Nebuchadnezzar learned that the God of Israel was the real God!

2. Daniel 3:28-30 Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king's command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore, I make a decree that any people, nation or tongue that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego shall be torn limb from limb and their houses reduced to a rubbish heap, inasmuch as there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way."

3. Does the world know your God is the real God?

4. Are you a conformer or a transformer?