The book of Daniel has some very interesting stories that every communicator has preached at least once in their lives or perhaps will choose to do so in the coming months or years. The whole background of the book is so relevant to your modern life. God-fearing, well-behaved, and conviction-based young men trying to live godly lives in a society that wants to mold them into its belief system. Sound familiar? Maybe it is!
One known story is when Daniel is thrown in the lion’s den for praying and worshiping God. The image is so familiar that sports, politicians, and pastors alike use the analogy when someone is facing fierce and overwhelming adversaries.
The other very common story that interests us concerns Daniel’s three friends: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, otherwise known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, changed their Hebrew names, which were closely tied to Yahweh’s name, to match Babylonian deities. You can read this narrative in Daniel chapter 3.
Let’s dive in and discover nine ideas for your next Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego sermon.
God Is present in the middle of Our struggles
This is a classic interpretation of the three Hebrew young men’s situation. When the three are thrown into the fiery furnace, the king addresses an unexpected situation to his officers when he declares, “But I see four men walking around in the fire …None of them is tied up or harmed, and the fourth one looks like a god.” (3:25 CEV). You can imagine the king’s stupefaction when he sees a fourth “person” in the fire.
To quote many worship songs, “there’s another one in the fire”. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, the Amplified says “Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8). This describes perfectly the trio, and their story reminds us that God is always present, even in the middle of the fire.
When You Stand, You Become Visible
Some of the people assigned to the task of making sure everyone bowed down to the statue of the king and worshiped it noticed that some folks weren’t following the decree, “These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods, nor do they worship the golden statue which you have set up.” (3:12 NASB). Not bowing down when everyone else does makes you very visible. Refusing to bow down and compromise values, beliefs, and convictions was important to them.
When you stand against evil, corruption, or a worldview, you become visible as well. Jesus says, “Let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NET). Standing for good makes you visible, fulfilling part of Jesus’ message.
Kindness and Gentleness Are Required When Dealing with Authority
“Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind.” declares Paul in Philippians 4:5 (NCV). Being kind and gentle is not about being easy-going and soft. Both qualities speak of the ability to be truthful and mild-mannered, being capable of frankness and directness.
When facing the king, the three men stood firm on their conviction of not bowing down to worship the statue, thus compromising their pledge of godly living. Yet they explain their decision in a non-threatening yet clear and adamant way, like Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV) says, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter…Your Majesty, we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
In this pandemic season, when many leaders didn’t always want to follow public guidelines, the three Hebrew men’s way of answering the king displays the attitude all of us should exhibit.
Opposition Allows Opportunities
Many trials and tribulations are “pack up and leave” situations. Hurdles become roadblocks, hills become mountains, and possibilities turn into impossibilities. But to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the opposition has developed into opportunities.
They are threatened, their lives are literally put to the test, and their social standing is about to be canceled, yet they stand. They refuse to compromise. Opportunities arose from their position.
Their stance gave them a personal audition with the king, it allowed them to share their values and convictions to naysayers. It even gave them permission to promote God’s capabilities. “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand.” (3:17 NIV). You can say that this opposition helped them rise to the occasion.
Standing for Good Will Offend People
What is right and good can be an elastic notion. This story proves that. The Chaldeans proclaimed the rightness of worship to the Golden Statue. The Hebrew trio condemned that belief. Their conviction went against general acceptance. “Certain Chaldeans came forward and denounced the Jews.” (3:8 TLV)
For many religious leaders like you these days, your beliefs may go against overall approval. You certainly can attest to that. People may be offended by your choice of valuing everyone or your desire to reach the lost in your community. Some maliciously spoke against them. You should know it is to be expected still, to some degree.
Costly Obedience Rewards Greatly
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s obedience could have been very costly, and they could have paid with their lives. You and I know the end of the story, but they didn’t! They lived and wrote it.
Their obedience, which God values so much as Samuel told Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22 (NLT) “Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”, allowed their own lives to be spared, God’s reputation to be upheld and Nebuchadnezzar’s life changed. Their willingness to pay the cost influenced a full empire.
Trials Aren’t Necessarily a Sign of God’s Judgment
Maybe you have heard many well-intended Christians say that trials and opposition prove God’s disapproval of a path. Even Job’s friends believed that. Some believe trials result from God’s punishment or the absence of His presence.
The proof is in the pudding, like they say. Jesus clearly stated, “Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you.” (John 15:20 NLT) and “You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous!” (John 16:33 HCSB).
Going into the Fire Allows You to Get Through the Fire
There is no story to be told about being dragged into the fire. Yet, there is one about getting through the fire to be told to future generations. But one thing is for sure: there is no story at all if there’s no willingness to go into it and through it!
As David puts it, “You have tested us, God. You wanted to make us pure, as they make silver pure in a hot fire.” (Psalm 66:10 EASY), but “you brought us out to abundance.” (66:12 CSB). Isaiah quotes God, saying, “I have refined you, but not with silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction” (48:10 MEV).
If the story of three young Hebrew men proves something, it is that God’s story is written with your life going through the fire!
Unyielding Determination proves Unwavering Dedication
This last point is not the least. It is often said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Dedication to God in your faith will be challenged. Dedication is a commitment to giving all that is needed and more when needed. Determination is the resolute mindset of giving until the end.
The determination of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego proved their dedication to God. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s beliefs did not yield to pressure, compromise, or social acceptance as they were fully willing to obey.
As you prepare to preach their story, remember that with steadfast, unshakable trust and faith in God, He will be glorified throughout.
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