Daniel 3:18 NKJV
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.”
Outline
A. Introduction
I. Text
B. But If Not – A Call to…
I. Faithfulness (They will serve God even He will not deliver)
II. Usefulness/Witness (They were thinking of Giving God the Glory and not their own interests)
III. Nearness (God is with us both in the ups and downs)
C. Conclusion & Appeal
Introduction
(Greetings)
It was August 14, 1971, when one of the infamous experiments in the field of behavioural psychology was conducted. The experiment came to be know as the Standford Prison Expirement.
In 1971, psychologist Philip Zimbardo tried to study what would happen to human beings if given total anonymity, absolute power, and the right environment to exercise it.
He tried to recruit students to be as guards and prisoners in exchange for some dollars. So they were assigned roles – either prisoner or guards. Guards were given sunglasses to hide their identity and the prisoners were stripped off their names and were given numbers instead.
At the start, it was just all fun and games. But as the days go by things started to change. Guards started to show off their power. They started making fun of the prisoners, forcing them to undress, putting paper bags on their heads, disrupting sleep during the night.
These abused lead to later trauma in the lives of the prisoners. It got so bad that the supposedly 2 week experiment was cut off at the 6th day of the experiment.
August 14 to August 20, 1971
Zimbardo, in reflecting with his social experiment, gave this sociological/psychological insight:
“Our personal identities are socially situated. We are where we live, eat, work, and make love. […]
Our sense of identity is in large measure conferred on us by others in the ways they treat or mistreat us, recognize or ignore us, praise us or punish us... Those subjective beliefs create new realities for us. We often become who other people think we are, in their eyes and in our behavior.”
― Philip G. Zimbardo, The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil
Given the right circumstance, and setting, if humans are surrounded by evil we are bound to be evil is what ZImbardo is saying.
This morning we are going to study a story in the Bible that though surrounded by evil influences, despite being pressured to compromise, were willing to stand for the right though the heavens may fall.
This morning we are going to study the story of the Hebrew friends – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
How were they able to stand despite of societal pressures? and what lessons can we learn from them for this brand new year?
But If Not – A Call to….
I invite everyone to open their Bibles in Daniel 3;
Daniel 3:1 NKJV
Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
Most of us are familiar with the story. Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 2 had just receive a dream of a big statue composing of many minerals – Gold, Silver, Bronze, Iron, Iron mixed with Clay. When Daniel was called to give the king the interpretation, Daniel explained that Babylon was the head of Gold and that its kingdom would soon be overthrown by someone weaker than them.
Nebuchadnezzar hated that idea. He dislikes being merely the head of Gold. He disdains the idea that someday his kingdom will be overthrown by an inferior empire. So, he decided to create a statue made of Gold – not only the head but the entirety of it.
This was a gathering of all the officials of the land. It was no small event. It was a large gathering!
So, the officials from all the empire of Babylon was called to this assembly. There was a massive crowd. This is all officials from all the lands that Babylon conquered (the reigning champ of the then known world).
And so, the ceremony started. The band started to play, and all, in unison, started to bow to the golden image. All except for three.
This enraged the king. They were called to go in the very presence of the king.
And I would like to remind you, this is a massive gathering! They were summoned before the king in the presence of al the people. Talk about societal pressure!
But there they stand.
They stand and they gave a speech, in front of the king and in front of the watching crowd, and this is where we are going to center around in the few minutes we are together.
Daniel 3:16-18 NKJV
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. [18] But if not, let it be known to you, O
Faithfulness
But if Not.
These words are so profound.
They were unsure of God’s power but they are not sure where His providence is leading.
They were saying, We know that God is powerful, we know that He is able to deliver us from this, we know that nothing is impossible with God.
But we are not sure whether that is His will for us.
I know He can deliver…
But if Not…
So they were unsure of God’s circumstantial will (whether they escape) but were sure of God’s revealed will (‘You shall have no other gods besides me’) (View Highlight) – Dale Ralph Davis, The Message of Daniel
What I come to learn is that there are a lot of things that can take place in the span of 365 days.
And I know many of us are hoping that this year 2025 will be a good year to each and everyone of us.
We have big dreams, high hopes, and noble aspirations.
We have plans in order that 2025 would be a better year.
But what if it didn’t.
(Personal Illustrations)
What if it didn’t.
We don’t know what God’s circumstantial will this year. But we always know His revealed will. The question is will you be faithful?
Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego could have easily questioned God’s decisions.
Sometimes, we have that attitude don’t we? We treat God as if He is an ATM machine to get whatever we want.
This year may we strive to be more faithful no matter what.
Let’s hope 2025 will be a good year, amen? But if Not. Let’s still be faithful.
May our prayers be, Lord if my plans dont align to your circumsantial will, let Your will be done.
Lord, I have a picture of what I want 2025 to be like. I hope for the best, but if not, I will still strive to be faithful.
Our plans are not always God’s plans. He may see that it is best for us and for His cause to refuse our very best intentions, as He did in the case of David. But of one thing we may be assured, He will bless and use in the advancement of His cause those who sincerely devote themselves and all they have to His glory. If He sees it best not to grant their desires He will counterbalance the refusal by giving them tokens of His love and entrusting to them another service. MH 473.2
In His loving care and interest for us, often He who understands us better than we understand ourselves refuses to permit us selfishly to seek the gratification of our own ambition… Often our plans fail that God’s plans for us may succeed. MH 473.3
In the case of the Hebrew friends, they did had a picture of what God can do for them, but they are willing to stay loyal to God even if He chooses another path for them.
Daniel 3:17-18 NKJV
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. [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.”
This year, this story reminds us to plan but also to be faithful.
But if not…
Usefulness/Witness
There’s another point that we can glean from this story.
When certain leaders saw the boldness of the three Hebrew friends, they decided to make the matters known to the king immediately.
Daniel 3:12 NKJV
There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
As you can see the accusing becomes more specific and narrowed starting with the Jews, the race, the people of God then it proceeds to name the three Hebrews.
The three hebrews were accused of disloyalty to the king.
But it doesn’t stop there.
The king gave them another chance. They were called forward into the presence of the king and again in the sight of all the men gathered that day. And the king gave them another chance to bow.
Daniel 3:15 NKJV
Now if… 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?”
The accused moves from the people of God to the 3 hebrew men and then ultimately to God.
This story teaches a profound a Biblical concept, that what we do with our lives in a certain degree reflects the kind of God we serve.
(Diba SDA yun – illustration)
When the 3 hebrew men were standing, they were standing as God’s people and as representatives of God.
It was a challenge to the God of the heavens.
Daniel 3:17-18 NKJV
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. [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.”
The words, “But if not”, basically mean (they were saying) we would rather die than to dishonor God. They were saying God is able to deliver us! But if not we would rather choose death than to have stains in God’s name.
This teaches us that God’s honor should be first and foremost in the minds of God’s people.
The three Hebrew men stood firmly because they are not thinking of their own security but they are thinking of what would give God glory!
This year 2025 as we embark on another set of journey, let us remember that we are placed on this earth for a purpose. A purpose that is bigger than just to have a decent life and live comfortably while we stay on this planet.
We are called to live on this earth to show to the world and to the entire universe the kind of God that we serve. We are called to be vessels of God’s glory.
1 Corinthians 4:9 NKJV
For I think that God has displayed us… for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.
And so this is a reminder for each and everyone of us, that in each areas of our lives we are representing God. We might not be called to die (at least for now). But each of us are called to represent God wherever we are.
Is God’s fairness displayed in how you deal with conflicts in the family and in the community? Is God’s wisdom displayed in how you pursue excellence in the school and in the workplace?
Is God’s kindness displayed in how you deal with those who are trying to hurt you?
Is God’s grace extended to your enemies through your life?
Remember, we are placed here to be vessels of God’s honor!
Whether it be in the home, in school or in the workplace, we are to be God’s representatives.
That means not slacking off at work.
That means not being lousy in our studies.
That means doing our best to extend a helping hand.
We do all these things, not to be known, but to be bring glory to God!
This is an aspect which a lot of self-help books lack nowadays. And that’s understandable because they are operating from a secular worldview. They also emphasize improvement, growth, but they emphasize that in order to achieve self-satisfaction, happiness and personal well-being. Nothing wrong in all of those things! It’s good to be happy! It’s good to be personally, emotionally stable. Because how can you minister to others if you have a bag of issues in your own.
But from a Christian perspective, there’s something bigger than just one’s salvation, satisfaction and happiness. Christians understand that they live not only for themselves but for others and ultimately for the glory of God!
So, these men didn’t stop to think in order to say to themselves, “How can I escape this trial?” “What can I do be safe and not be seen by others?”
They were not thinking of their own security because they are living for something bigger.
Ellen White says;
In the midst of the worshipping multitude there were three men who were firmly resolved not thus to dishonor the God of heaven. Their God was King of kings and Lord of lords; they would bow to none other. – Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings pg. 506
They would not dishonor God! Everything that they do centers on this idea.
You know the reformation has 5 solas. These were the things that the reformers were fighting against the Roman Catholic Church.
- Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”)
- Sola Gratia (“Grace alone”)
- Sola Fide (“Faith alone”)
- Solus Christus (“Christ alone”)
- Soli Deo Gloria (“Glory to God alone”)
And it is this last Sola (or Soli in this case) that seems to be so under rated.
Daniel 3:25 NKJV
“Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
How come the king knew what the Son of God was like? Ellen White gave this interesting insight:
How did that heathen king know what the Son of God was like? The Hebrew captives filling positions of trust in Babylon had in life and character represented before him the truth. When asked for a reason of their faith, they had given it without hesitation. Plainly and simply they had presented the principles of righteousness, thus teaching those around them of the God whom they worshiped. – Ellen White, Patriarchs and Prophets pg. 509
Brothers and sisters, we are placed by God to a certain spot in this world for a purpose. I’m sure there are people in your workplace, in your neighborhood, in your school who have not yet a genuine relationship with Him.
Perhaps, they don’t have any interest in opening their Bibles. Perhaps, they wouldn’t even open to read a single page this year!
But we have a duty to reflect the God we serve, so that others will be drawn to Him.
Togetherness
Let’s continue the story, after giving the speech. After saying “But if not” in front of the king and in front of the entire watching crowd, Nebuchadnezzar was furious and decided to heat the fiery furnace even more.
The three hebrew men were then thrown into the fiery furnace.
Nebuchadnezzar and the leaders that set up this trap began to smile as they finally and successfully finished executing their desires, when suddenly the smiles turned into an expression of shock.
Daniel 3:25 NKJV
“Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
Again, God doesn’t promise to always shield us or deliver us from dangers. What He explicitly said is that He will always be with us – in life, suffering, and even till death.
Likewise, God doesn’t always shield us from trials and tribulations.
Not every thing would end up as expected.
Perhaps, requesting an exemption for Sabbath classes. Denied. Perhaps, requesting that a loved one be healed from a terrible sickness. Denied.
Perhaps, requesting that God would miraculously provide for your needs on that specific day. Denied.
God doesn’t promise to always shield us or deliver us from dangers.
Isaiah 43:2 NKJV
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.
God doesn’t said he will shield us from the waters, from the rivers, or from the fire. It’s always through it. Because He is with us in every step of the way.
It is this idea of togetherness that helped the three Hebrew men to stand firm for their faith.
Back to Philip Zimbardo’s theory, they should have been dictated by the people around them! By the current culture, they should have been shaped by their surroundings!
That’s what this Psychologist was trying to portray. That one’s choices are conferred to us by the people and the context surrounding us.
But Daniel 3 is a solid argument that we need not to be swayed by the world even though we are enveloped by darkness all around!
Now I understand that environment plays a factor.
If you are working in workplace where societal pressure to do wrong is strong, it is much likely that you will give in.
If you are living in a home that cursing is a norm, it is much likely you will do the same.
But Daniel 3 – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stands as strong evidence that we need not the world to dictate how we should live.
Humans are similar. There is tremendous internal pressure to comply with the norms of the group. The reward of being accepted is often greater than the reward of winning an argument, looking smart, or finding truth. Most days, we’d rather be wrong with the crowd than be right by ourselves. James Clear, Atomic Habits (Location 1515)
If, from a habit/psychology perspective, we tend to follow the crowd than our own ideals then why did these 3 Hebrew men not follow the crowd?
The question is why were these men able to boldly stand for the truth?
Why did they not bow with the crowd?
The simple answer is: They did. They did follow the crowd. It’s just a different crowd.
2 Kings 6:17 NKJV
And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Conclusion & Appeal
“He Maketh No Mistake” by A. M. Overton
My Father’s way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I’m glad to know,
He maketh no mistake.
My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away,
But still I’ll trust my Lord to lead,
For He doth know the way.
Though night be dark and it may seem
That day will never break,
I’ll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.
There’s so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight’s far too dim;
But come what may,
I’ll simply trust And leave it all to Him.
For by and by the mist will lift
And plain it all He’ll make,
Through all the way, though dark to me,
He made not one mistake.
I wish everyone a blessed new year… But if Not…. Let’s choose to stand with God.
Happy Sabbath, May God bless us all.