Bible Ballistics: An Attitude Of Arrogance??? Vol. 6#16

Daniel is fascinating, and one of my favorite books in all of scripture. It is so practical because of the living example of this faithful man of God, from whom we can learn so much. Daniel lived out his faith in the heat of spiritual warfare. He was in a foreign land, under a captive nation, working for a pagan king, yet doing an outstanding job as the servant of the Most High God. Ingetrity showed in everything that Daniel, and his three friends did. While we didn’t see Daniel in last weeks study, we saw his three friends stand fast, suffer the result of their stand, and consequently experience reward from God and an amazed king. As we continue on to chapter 4 we don’t see any further mention of Shadrach, Meshach nor Abednego but we know they have been faithful servants of God and toward King Nebuchadnezzar.

Much time has elapsed between the episode we looked at last week, and we find Nebuchadnezzar still a ruler of great power but seemingly erratic temper and arrogance.

“Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 2 I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. 3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. 4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace: 5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 6 Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream. 7 Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.” Daniel 4:1-7

Once again we find Nebuchadnezzar the recipient of a notable and significant dream—a prophetic dream. But let’s not miss some very significant things about this chapter. Look at verse 1—this chapter is written as a personal narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar—a personal declaration to all the world of an experience that the King wants to personally share with the world!!! Whoa??? What’s happened? Last week we saw that Nebuchadnezzar recognized the God of Daniel and His friends as a unique God, a God who could over-ride the king’s edict:

“Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.” Daniel 3:28-29

But here in chapter 4 we find the King with a new attitude. But what brought on this new ‘attitude’ in the King? Let’s read on about the dream that apparently precipitated this change of ‘heart’, a change that has King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledging the work of God in his own life. Whoa? Say what? But again there’s a catch—a dream but no one able to give the interpretation to the King. But…….

“But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my God, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,” Daniel 4:8

Enter God’s man. Even a pagan King recognized that Daniel had a ‘spirit’ different from all the other “wise men” in his kingdom, so he confidently shares with Daniel the dream.

“O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof. 10 Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. 11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: 12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it. 13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; 14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches: 15 Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: 16 Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. 17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. 18 This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.” Verses 9-18

We see not only the Kings respect for Daniel, but he knew that Daniel was a man gifted by his God to interpret dreams. While we only have a record of the dream dilemma that Daniel solved in chapter 2, it is likely that Daniel’s gift had been put to use on other occasions that aren’t recorded. At any rate, we find Daniel trusted by the King and he shares his dream of the tree (We’ll look at the specifics later when we see Daniel’s interpretation). But I want us to notice the confidence that he had in Daniel, “but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee”. Daniel had earned the respect and confidence of a pagan King by standing fast for God and doing excellently in all his actions! How do I know that, you might ask? Well, we see later that even his enemies admitted his integrity was impeccable, and they couldn’t accuse him in any matter of his work.

“Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” Daniel 6:4-5

Oh, to have a testimony of such godly integrity, a testimony that even his enemies couldn’t discredit. It didn’t make them like him, but they couldn’t deny his integrity. We’ll see they still sought to have him killed, but they couldn’t escape his integrity, and that was after some 50 years of public service in Babylon. What a difference it would make if we could find some politicians with that kind of integrity!!! But we see something else about Daniel in this encounter, we see his compassion for this pagan king, his deep grief over the judgment of God that is going to come on one that he has served and prayed for all these years.

“Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.” Verse 19

What about us? Would we have jumped and shouted “hotdog”—he’s getting his ‘dues’? Or would we have been broken and grieved like Daniel? Do we care enough for those that oppose us, those who hate us, those who seek our harm, that we are grieved when judgment falls on them? Or do we rejoice? Do we focus so much on the evil around us, that our attitude is more similar to their’s than to God’s? Our call is to exhibit the ‘love’ of God (charity=love) to a world that needs it desperately:

“Charity

suffereth long,

and is kind;

charity envieth not;

charity vaunteth not itself,

is not puffed up,  

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly,

seeketh not her own,

is not easily provoked,

thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity,

but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things,

believeth all things,

hopeth all things,

endureth all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

We have a standard that only Jesus can empower us to meet! But it IS our standard, because Jesus calls us to it. Daniel knew his God, and he knew the love of his God and I think we see that he had extended that compassionate love toward this king who was 180 degrees opposite to him. But Daniel still cared!!! How about you and me? Now, what about that dream?

“The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; 21 Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: 22 It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. 23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; 24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: 25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 26 And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.” Verses 20-26

The Dream and its                                       Interpretation:

 

The tree:                                                 Nebuchadnezzar

Strong

Great

Growing

Supplying needs

Meat for All

High & Visible

 

The Watcher:                                           Decreed from God

       A holy one                                        Upon the King

       From heaven

The Declaration:

      “Cut” it down                                     Be driven from man

       But leave the stump                          Dwell among beasts

       Place a band around it                       Behave like the beasts

       It’s portion with the beasts

       Till seven times pass over                  7 periods (uncertain if years or

                                                              months but set by GOD!)

“till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.”

             Then Restoration/Throne

Daniel has just pronounced a judgment from God upon the King whom he serves. He expresses no glee or satisfaction that judgment has come, but great grief and compassion for this king. And Daniel declares to the king that this judgment will continue until he, the King of Babylon, recognizes and bows before the Almighty God of the universe. Daniel then calls King Nebuchadnezzar to take action to seek the mercy of God and perhaps avoid this grievous judgment.

“Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.” Verse27

But the king’s arrogance superseded his discernment, and he ignored Daniel’s advice. In fact, he so much ignores it that his arrogance becomes even worse. Let’s see:

“All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. 30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? 31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. 32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.” Verses 28-33

I find it interesting that even “as he spoke” of his own greatness, power and honor, the judgment fell upon him, and that it was 12 months later. How easily we can get caught up in our own ego, our own selfish ways, our own accomplishments and successes—with no regard for the God who gives us breath; who grants us life for each day; with no regard for the sure and sovereign rulership of God Almighty. We live in a world full of arrogance, of self-focused people, of total independence, who take the longsuffering mercy of God as permissiveness. But there is a day too late to change ourselves. And while the king had warning—he ignored it. While the king had one who cared enough to call him to repentance—he ignored it. While the king thought he was a ‘self-made’ king, he found out different. He found out that the God, who truly rules, is able to reveal Himself to men who will receive it, and judge those who don’t’. But even judgment can bring repentance!

“And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? 36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. 37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.” Verses 34-37

What a change of heart!!! Instead of “out of the mouths of babes”, here we have ‘out of the mouth of the king’—a humbled king. What about us? Are we willing to humble ourselves, or will God have to move in harsh ways to get our attention? To change our heart? To humble us?

Just a few verses to ponder as we close for today:

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:14 (be sure and read the context)

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:6

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6

So the choice is yours! Will you be the exalted arrogant one, or will you humble yourself before God and others, and leave the exalting to God—in His time and in His way? Consider the consequences, the choice is yours, but there is a day of reckoning coming.

“The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.” Isaiah 2:11

“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth

take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #189 Ready For YOUR Appointment???

We’ve experienced a tragic week in our nation, police officers slain senselessly in the exercise of their duties, young journalists slain on live television! What have we come to? How did we get to this state in our nation? There is a lot of debate over this issue—from ‘gun control’ to ‘gun elimination’, from race to mental health. Yet it seems very few have addressed the real issue, and that’s the sin in the heart of man. We must address the real issue, and only in recognizing the issue can we change anything in this world.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jer. 17 9

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12

One common problem causes most of our problems in this world, and simply enough there is only one solution—and that is JESUS!!! Just as sin entered this world by “one man”, only the one ‘God Man’, Jesus Christ who came to deliver us from our sin, can fix and eliminate the problem– now in our hearts and ultimately in total deliverance. And while we mourn the loss of lives so sudden and needlessly taken, there is more that we need to consider today.

Each one of those people left home to go to work with probably little thought of whether or not they would return home at the end of their workday. Yet each of them met their maker before the shift ended—ready or not, they were called from this life into eternity. Ready or not they walked into eternity, with no “second” chances, with no “do-overs”. We are either ready to meet the God of the universe or we are not. I pray that each of these individuals was ready to face God, that they were born again; but ready or not they are now in eternity—in Heaven or Hell without recourse or opportunity to change their ‘choice’. And yes it’s a choice—we choose to believe and receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior or we choose to reject Him. And ‘not’ choosing Jesus is choosing—delay is a choice! What about you?

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Hebrews 9:27-28

“Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?” Job 7:1

We will all face death, (except those believers who are alive when the Lord calls His own out at the ‘rapture’) and we need to be prepared. Are you prepared ‘to meet your God’? God called Israel to prepare, and I believe He is calling us today to prepare for His coming. If we aren’t ready for His coming, we are not ready to meet ‘death’. Just as those officers and journalists had no advance notice of impending doom, we may not have any advance notice (other than God’s Word) to prepare. We must examine ourselves to see if we are ready to ‘meet’ God!

“I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. 12 Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. 13 For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The Lord, The God of hosts, is his name.” Amos 4:11-13 God IS God!!!

So what about you? Will you receive the urgency of the call of the Word of God? Let’s consider what the Word has to say. Please do? There are no ‘second chances’ after death. There are no ‘do-overs’ in eternity. Ready or not, Jesus IS COMING! “Soon And Very Soon”!!!

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

“If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” Job 14:14

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” John 11:25-26

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? ………. 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.…… 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again……….. 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Portions of John 3:3-16  He loves YOU!!!

The choice is yours. Will you trust Jesus while you have the opportunity, or will you put it off waiting for a more convenient time? You may not have any more time.

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” Luke 12:20

If you haven’t received the salvation that Jesus purchased for you at Calvary—then you will stand on your own:

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:12-15

No appeal!!! No second chance!!! No do-overs!!! Don’t wait for a better time.

“….now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2b

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; ……. but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Bible Ballistics: BBs #188   “As The World Turns”???

There used to be a “soap opera” called “As The World Turns”, in fact it enjoyed a 54-year run on television. While I don’t promote ‘soap operas’, and I certainly don’t think they are healthy fare for the soul (in fact I watched them in my youth until I was impressed to cease watching them because they were having such an adverse affect on my life and marriage), I do think the title can help us to consider the continuing nature of life—and that God is at work “As The World Turns”!!! Regardless of how it ‘looks’!

“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.” Genesis 1:14-15

God created the earth with times and seasons—of nature and of life. And creation works on the same order today by God’s grace and longsuffering toward man. He gave us lights for day and night—but different. He gave us seasons for cycles of planting, growing and harvest, death and back to planting and new life! And generally speaking our lives work the same way. We have seasons of planting and working, growing up, growing out and growing our own families to start their own lives in the same cycle of life. But there is also a time to die, as Solomon so clearly stated in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:

“To every thing there is a season,

and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born,                      and a time to die;

a time to plant,                             and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill,                             and a time to heal;

a time to break down,                    and a time to build up;

4 A time to weep,                          and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn,                            and a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones,          and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace,                         and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to get,                              and a time to lose;

a time to keep,                               and a time to cast away;

7 A time to rend,                            and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence,                    and a time to speak;

8 A time to love,                            and a time to hate;

a time of war,                                and a time of peace.”

If we think about it, we have experienced most of these ‘times’ in our lives—the ups and downs, the good times and the bad, the easy and the difficult, the joys and the sorrows. But the key is to remember who set this world in place and who is our hope of life!!! And the only way we can do that, is to know and belong to Jesus—to repent of our sin, to trust to the blood of Jesus to save and transform life by being born again–Only one way—only one Savior. The plan set in place before the order of this world was created.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” Ephesians 13-4

Jesus was the solution before the problem existed. God knew we would sin, and need a redeemer before the world was set on it’s axis—He knew that HIS SON would pay the price of our redemption—yet He created us anyway. He loved us that much! I can’t fathom such love, but I am eternally grateful for it, and for God’s sovereign control over all things—YES, even now!!! Especially now! So what can we learn from all of this? We can grow our confidence in our God!! We can know that He is at work all around us, if we’ll but open our ‘spiritual’ eyes to see Him all around us, and open our ‘spiritual’ ears and hear His Spirit speaking to our hearts and minds, and then yield to His voice and obey!!! As Paul reminds us, we can not only know Him, but also be sure that God is working in all things to make us more like Jesus:

“That I may know him,

      and the power of his resurrection,

      and the fellowship of his sufferings,

      being made conformable unto his death;”    Philippians 3:10

Oh, to know Him more!! How? By trusting HIM more, even in our weakness, because it is HIS Spirit and His strength at work in us accomplishing HIS purposes!

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us, who can be against us?”     Romans 8:26-30

So??? Whatever is spinning in you world; whatever is going well, or not so well; whatever is going up or down; whatever is changing in your world—God knows and He cares. And even more importantly HE is using your circumstances and mine to help us be “conformed to the image of his Son!!! Just remember that no matter how your ‘world’ is turning—if you know Jesus– HE is standing fast for you, ever praying for you and working in all your circumstances! Trust HIM!!!

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

So, ‘As The World Turns’ around you, remember:

“And when these things begin to come to pass,

then look up,

and lift up your heads;

for your redemption draweth nigh.”    Luke 21:26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Ballistics: Attitude of Confidence & Grace??? Vol. 6#15

Daniel and his friends paint a beautiful picture of faith and grace, as we’ve seen over these last few weeks. We’ve seen these men of grace, humility and confidence in the God who they loved and served unashamedly. Yet, they were never men of arrogance toward others or presumption toward their God.

We saw that in the crises they turned to God in prayer and He delivered them in those crises. Daniel, you’ll remember, was granted the knowledge to know the king’s dream and it’s interpretation. And I believe it’s that dream that leads us into chapter 3.

“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.” Daniel 3:1

I can’t help but think that King Nebuchadnezzar was so enamored of the dream, (particularly the head of gold) which Daniel had related to him, that it went right to his head!!! Here we see him building a great statue on the Plain of Dura, and I find it amazing that it’s not just a normal statue but one of “gold”, and it’s proportions are absolutely unreal! Approximately 90 feet high and 9 feet wide—go figure. Talk about a toothpick image—but I’m not the king! And whom do you think it might have resembled? I don’t think there’s much guessing to get the answer to that question. Nebuchadnezzar had a large does of ‘self’ esteem and we’ll see that arrogance displayed by the king, that our 4 Hebrew boys have tried to avoid. What about us? What do people see in us? Humility or arrogance? Pressing on:

“Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 3 Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, 5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: 6 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 7 Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.” Daniel 3:2-7

Wow? What a scene. This great king has gathered all the politicians, all the military leaders, all the legal officials, all the accountants, and all the underlings of the kingdom. This was a party-hearty gathering—but with a twist! All to not only admire the new statue, but to render allegiance and ‘WORSHIP’ to the kings “image”. I find it interesting that this call to ‘idolatry’ was accompanied by music. We fail to realize the power of music to drive people’s fleshly lusts, as well as to inspire (But I’ll leave that conversation for another day). So here’s the dilemma. Where are our four young men?

Scripture is silent on the whereabouts of Daniel during this episode, but it is likely that he was left “back at the palace” to take care of business, but not so for his 3 friends. Let’s see about our other three young men. First we find them at the event, but not alone—they have, in their devotion to God and their commitment to excellence in their service to the king—they apparently have acquired some adversaries on the political scene they work in.

“Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews. 9 They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. 10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image: 11 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” Daniel 3:8-12

Oh my, what a dilemma! Any familiar terms come to mind to describe these ‘eager’ public servants? Tattletale? Whistle-blower? Ladder-climbers? It seems that these men were acting with more than civic duty as their motive. It would seem that they have an agenda in using this opportunity to eliminate “the competition”, if you would. These are pretty serious charges they are bringing against our three young men. Do you see their emphasis?

“accused the Jews”—

“certain Jews”—

“whom thou hast set over the affairs”—

“these men”—

“not regarded thee”—

“they serve not thy gods”—

“nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up”—

Do you see the venom in their personal, direct and intense attack on these three men? They don’t like them because:

they are Jewish (slaves brought in from Judah)—

they were personally elevated by the King himself—

they were “THESE” men who don’t fit in with us—

they don’t ‘regard’ the king (they aren’t “YES” men)—

they worship differently—

they “won’t bow down”!

I can’t help but think about us today. Would we be caught standing when the rest of the world is bowing? Would we be so devoted to God that we’d stand out, and stand up for our God—the only TRUE God in the entire universe? My friends, only God knows, but time will tell as the “evil days” continue to spiral downward around us. Do we ‘stand’ out or ‘blend’ in? Is our focus on the one we humbly and graciously serve? Or is our focus so much on staying unnoticed, that we have betrayed our faith and our God?

Continuing on with Daniel 3:

“Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” Daniel 3:13-15

Ok, here we have an angry king—in a rage and fury!! Yet we often miss a subtle thing here, even in his anger and fury, the King can’t believe that these outstanding young men would deliberately defy him!!! He has such confidence in them that he—the king—offers them a second chance. Surely, he thinks, what we have here has been a ‘failure to communicate’!! Surely these faithful civil servants just failed to get the ‘memo’. So Nebuchadnezzar extends a second chance to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego! But don’t miss the qualifier he adds to his offer. To paraphrase, “If you guys don’t bow, you WILL go into the burning furnace. AND “who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” In other words, you may not worship “ME” but who do you think is big enough to deliver you out of “MY” hands. I AM KING! I EXPECT YOUR WORSHIP! Much like the early Christians who were put to death for not worshipping Caesar. And there are many calls today on our hearts to bow to other “gods”! Is your heart sure with God? Let’s continue in our diagramming mode.

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

answered and said to the king,

O Nebuchadnezzar,

we are not careful to answer thee

in this matter.

17 If it be so,

our God

whom we serve

is able to deliver us

from the burning fiery furnace,

and he will deliver us

out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not,

be it known unto thee, O king,

that we will not serve thy gods,

nor worship the golden image

which thou hast set up.” Daniel 3: 16-18

These young men have already made up their minds to remain faithful to their God, regardless of their environment, the culture, their circumstances OR the cost. Yet they have and continue to display respect, integrity and humility beyond most of what we see today. We need to understand that when they say in verse 16 that they would not be “careful” to answer the king in this regard, they aren’t being arrogant, but simply stating (if you will allow me to paraphrase), that they don’t need to consider their answer because their lives have exhibited their answer and they have been, are now and will continue to be faithful to their GOD, regardless of the cost. In light of being given a second chance, they are telling the King that their choice IS their choice. No accident, no ‘failure to communicate’, no error in judgment, no social faux pas, but their lifelong commitment to the God they belong to. They simply and plainly advise the King that they “will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up”! Simply, respectfully and with total integrity and dependence on their God, these men stand firm for their GOD!!! What a standard to strive for?

And do you see how committed they are to trusting God? They declare to Nebuchadnezzar that their God CAN deliver, and ultimately HE will deliver them, but they won’t bow even if it means their death!!! May we be so confident in our God, and yet gracious to those in opposition to us? Lord, may I truly learn to behave in such a way! Remember the words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”?

And now—to the fire they go as a result of standing true before an angry king, and those who hate them.

“Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in 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 coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.” v3:19-23

BUT, as Paul Harvey would say, there’s the ‘rest of the story’! And oh what a “rest” of this story. An angry king is changed into an amazed one, by what he sees in the fire! Perhaps we need to understand that sometimes our “fires” are showcases for our God to display his power and glory!

“Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.” Daniel 3:24-26

Talk about a changed mind? This great and powerful King who only moments before declared, “who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands”, now declares to our three faithful servants, “ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither”!!! Now Nebuchadnezzar knows “WHO” the God IS who can deliver!!! He knows that these three men stood faithful and sure in the truth. These men who were ‘thrown’ into the fire, NOW ‘walk’ out of that same fire under their own power to a waiting King, with a changed tune.

“And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw

these men,

upon whose bodies the fire had no power,

nor was an hair of their head singed,

neither were their coats changed,

nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said,

Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,

who hath sent his angel,

and delivered his servants

that trusted in him,

and have changed the king’s word,

and yielded their bodies,

that they might not serve

nor worship any god,

except their own God.

29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.” V3:27-30

No singe, no smoke, no ashes—right out of the fire! So what can we take away today? We can learn that being men and women, boys and girls of integrity begins in the heart. We can see that if we will but trust ourselves to God Almighty and His Son Jesus Christ, and follow Him with devotion and commitment, HE will meet us wherever we may be, where ever He has placed us. And He will not only meet us there but also go ‘before’ us, go ‘with’ us, and walk ‘beside’ us through every fire that may come. Who was in the fire? Most believe, and I’m one of them, that it was a pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord Jesus. While three went in and three came out—they were in the fire, but they were never alone. And my friends YOU are never alone, when you belong to Jesus. He brought these young men out of the fire into recognition and promotion? Not the ending their enemies or the King expected. So, will we trust HIM, have confidence in HIM and be respectfully gracious to the opposition? Let’s pursue that goal!

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #187   Walking??? In Love???

As we walk through this world of craziness, the question arises, “How do we walk”? As I was reading A.W. Tozer earlier this week, I was overwhelmed with a thought as he mentioned Ephesians 5:2 “walk in love”; what does that really mean to me? Let’s consider this passage:

“Be ye therefore followers of God,

as dear children;

2 And walk in love,

as Christ also hath loved us,

and hath given himself

for us

an offering

and a sacrifice to God

for a sweetsmelling savour.

3 But fornication,

and all uncleanness,

or covetousness,

let it not be once named among you,

as becometh saints;

4 Neither filthiness,

nor foolish talking,

nor jesting,

which are not convenient:

but rather giving of thanks.” Ephesians 5:1-2

Paul is calling us to be “followers of God”, yet not just followers, but followers “as dear children”!!! Only those who have become “sons of God” by the new birth can really ‘follow’ God as dear children. And who would that be?

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.” John 1:12-13

Born of God—becoming the ‘sons of God’(and daughters too)! Those brought into an intimate Father-Child relationship with God, through His Son Jesus Christ. And just as a little child who loves and is devoted to their “daddy”, we can have that kind of relationship with the God of the universe. He brings us into relationship with Himself when we repent of our sins, believe in Jesus and receive Him, in the person of the Holy Spirit, into our hearts. Oh, what a difference a relationship makes!!!

We can not only know our Father, and His Son Jesus–with whom we become “…… heirs; heirs of God, and joint–heirs with Christ;” (See Romans 8:17)– but we can have the relationship of “dear children”, and dear children love their Father! They follow Him everywhere he goes!!! And Paul goes on to describe the walk of “dear children”:

“And walk in love,

as Christ also hath loved us,

and hath given himself

for us”.

I am to walk “IN LOVE” because—

I am LOVED—

I have received the gift of life from a loving Savior–

So I am to walk “in” that same kind of love

In love with my Father God–

In love with Jesus, His Son–

In love with the Son who paid my debt—

In love with the Son who died in my place—

In love with and committed  to His Word!!!

But love also avoids some things (oops, now I’m meddling); there are some behaviors and habits I am to exclude from my life because I love my Father God, and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Just as a little child wants to do exactly what their ‘daddy’ does; our love should drive us to follow our Lord in word and deed. And that means there are some ‘words’ I don’t speak; there are some ‘deeds’ I don’t do!

I am to avoid:

“fornication”

“all uncleanness”

“covetousness”

“filthiness”

“foolish talking” or “jesting, which are not convenient”.

In fact it should “not be once named among you”, “but rather giving of thanks.” Grateful people not hateful!!

Whoa??? Our lives as believers and children of God, are not to be involved in sexual sin, uncleanness, nor any covetousness or inappropriate foolishness? Kind of ups the expectations doesn’t it? Our measuring stick should be God’s Word, not the world’s standard, and for sure not the crude and inappropriate standards of ‘social media’, where anything goes no matter who you claim to be!

Why must I behave differently? Because I am to walk in a way that “becometh saints”—because the ‘saints’ are those who belong to Jesus– those who ‘love’ God and walk ‘in love’ because: “…the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5b (the love “OF” God and “FROM” God). It’s supernatural love!!!

So? Are we walking “IN LOVE” with Jesus or the world? Good question, but what’s your answer? Ask God, He’ll show you the truth: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” Psalm 139:23