Gideon’s Call

Many times, we get the idea that because we believe in God there shouldn’t be any problems.  This is an unrealistic idea.  Some four thousand five hundred years ago, Job said, “Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.”    Trouble is a natural part of human life, as a result of Adams sin in Genesis 3.   It is almost always the result of our own or someone else’s bad choices.   In Gideon’s day, Israel’s sin had caused God to withdraw his blessings, according to Judges 6:1.  “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.”

 

Without God’s protection, they were unable to protect themselves from invasion by the inhabitants of present day Jordan and northern Saudi Arabia, particularly the Midianites and Amalekites, who inhabited the desert areas.  Judges 6:2-6 describes the effects of their invasion.  “And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.  And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them; And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.  For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.  And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.”

 

Like the looters and protesters of today, the invaders were more concerned with destroying Israel than with bettering things for their own people.  They brought in huge herds of livestock which ate the vegetation into the ground, even pulling it out by the roots.  The Israelites were forced to leave their homes and hide out in the uninhabited areas of Israel.  When the final realized they could not resolve the problem themselves, they called out to God for help, and he sent a prophet to rebuke them for their sin.      

God did not instantly solve all their problems.  Instead, he chose a man to lead them in solving their problems.  Judges 6:11-12 describes God’s initial contact Gideon.  “And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.  And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.”

 

Like people today, Gideon questioned how God could be with them when they were going through such a tough time, in Judges 6:13.  “And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.”

 

When God told him he was to deliver Israel, Gideon didn’t feel qualified.  He had no great following or leadership experience, and his family was not well known.  God promised to be with him and give him the victory, in Judges 6:14-16.  “And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?  

 

And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.

 

And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.”

 

Believing The angel was sincere, Gideon asked for reassurance he was from God.  Acting on his belief, he went and prepared a sacrifice and brought it to see how the angel would respond, in Judges 6:17-19.  And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then show me a sign that thou talkest with me.  Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.  And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.”

 

There is a modern saying, “trust but verify,” and that is what Gideon was doing.  In Deuteronomy 18:22, God commanded, “When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”  It is foolish not to double check whether something is really what God said.  The people in Berea were greater than those in Thessalonica because they followed this principle, according to Acts 17:11.  “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

 

God was not offended by Gideon’s request.  Instead the angel showed a miraculous sign to reassure him.  Assured the message was from God, Gideon took time to worship, as Judges 6:20-24 describes.  “And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.  Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.

 

And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.

 

And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.  Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.”

 

Israel’s problem started with their ignoring God’s law, setting other things in God’s place.  If he was to lead Israel in straightening things out, Gideon needed to eliminate the problem in his own life first.  Judges 6:25-26 tells us, “And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.”

 

Although Gideon was afraid he would be punished for doing what God said, he obeyed, as Judges 6:27 describes.  “Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.”

 

Gideon’s own father had paid for construction of the altar, but when the people threatened to kill him for destroying it, he stood against them, insisting that if Baal were a god, he should be able to kill Gideon himself, in Judges 6:28-32.  “And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.  And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.  Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.

 

And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.  Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.”   Despite the threats, God blessed Gideon’s obedience. 

Trusting God When There Are Questions

 God has given some laws as to how things ought to be done.  Unfortunately, because we only partially understand those laws, we can try to apply them when they do not fit the situation.  I Corinthians 8:1-3 addresses such a situation.  “Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.  And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.  But if any man love God, the same is known of him.”  Because we know a little bit, we can think we know all about it, but that attitude clearly shows how little we actually know.  Habakkuk 2:4 warns about the danger of thinking we know what to do in every situation.  “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” 

 

As Proverbs 21:4 tells us, that proud attitude itself sin.  “An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.”  Fortunately, God knows our heart, and the motivations for what we do, and takes those into account in judging us.  We can trust him and step out by faith when we are not don’t have any specific instructions as to what to do, confident that if we are wrong, he will show us what is right, and we are to live by faith.

 

There were many Jews, but there were also many from other backgrounds in the cities where Paul ministered.  Sometimes there were questions about how a Christian should react in a certain situation.  Since Christians were not bound by the law how should they react in these situations.   Priests in many of the pagan religions sold part of the meat that was offered as sacrifices to merchants at the local market.  Since it had been offered as a sacrifice, was it okay for Christians to eat or not.  If not how were they to know which was ok to eat? 

 

Paul points out that as Christians, we know that those other gods people worship really are not gods at all, in I Corinthians 8:4-6.  “As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.  For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” 

 

Knowing that, we don’t need to worry about eating such food, but as I Corinthians 8:7 tells us, not everyone understands that.    “Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.”  They see buying and eating that meat as participating in or contributing to that false religion.   

 

Whether we eat it or not will not affect our standing with God, but we need to be careful that we do not turn others away by our decision, as I Corinthians 8:8-13 tells us.  “But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.  But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.  For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?  But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.  Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. they may be saved.”  Our testimony to others is far more important than whether we eat of don’t eat a certain food. 

 

This was especially a problem for those of Jewish background, as Paul points out in I Corinthians 10:16-19, because eating those sacrifices was a part of their worship, as I Corinthians 10:16-18 describes.  “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?  For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.  Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?  What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?”  We know that the idols are not really gods, but  How does this apply in our daily lives? 

 

The first thing we need to understand is that all those false religions are Satanic, and as Christians we must not be involved in Satanic worship, as I Corinthians 10:20-22 tells us.  “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.  Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.  Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” God is a jealous God, and will not overlook trying to replace him with some other god. 

 

As Christians, we can do anything anyone else can do, but we need to remember some things are not worth what they cost and some weaken us rather than strengthening us.  We need to focus on things that are beneficial, as I Corinthians 10:23-24 tells us.  “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.  Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.”

 

Knowing this is all well and good, but how does it apply in daily life?  I Corinthians 10:25-27 says, “Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.  If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.”  Because we know it doesn’t matter whether we eat it or not, we can just buy the meat from the market without concern where it came from, and we don’t have to worry about it if we are invited out to eat.  Don’t embarrass them by making an issue of it. 

 

On the other hand, if it comes up, it is obvious they are concerned about it and you should avoid eating it so that you don’t cause confusion or leave yourself wondering whether you did the right thing, as I Corinthians 10:28-33.  “But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?  For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.  Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”

 

We need to be more concerned about drawing people to the Lord than about our personal standards or comfort.  Romans 15:1-4 advises, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.  For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. When there are valid questions, we need to be careful not to drive others away.  This does not mean we ignore things the scripture is clear about, but that we do not let questionable things become issues.  We can trust God to work out those questionable situations. 

 

 

Examples Of What Happens When We Don’t Act In Faith

 Many times we think of the church as being like God’s army.  Frequently armies use competition between different groups to help them develop their skills and abilities.  Paul used this concept to help us understand our role in serving Christ.  In II Timothy 2:4-5 he told Timothy, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.   And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”  If the soldier is please his leader, he has to put being a soldier ahead of anything else.  He cannot allow himself to be distracted by politics, investments, or side jobs.  Competition with others is both to develop one’s own skills, and to help others develop their skills.  To do that it is crucial we learn to follow the rules so that we don’t hurt others. 

 

In normal athletic events, only one person wins top honors, but in a training competition, they are less concerned about who won the event than that those who participated developed the necessary skills and abilities.  In order to develop those skills it is critical that we learn to control our actions so that we can work most effectively and efficiently.  Those who do not make the effort will be dropped from the program as being unsuitable while those who do will all be given jobs.  Paul explains what is needed, in I Corinthians 9:24-27.  “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”  As Paul points out even and experienced Christian like himself needed to maintain self-control or risk being set aside as unsuitable.   

 

Everyone has the same opportunity, to please God, but as Paul shows from history in I Corinthians 10:1-5, not everyone who join enlists makes the grade.  “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.  But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.”

 

God had these things included in the scriptures so that we would be warned not to fall into the same kinds of sin, as he tells us, in I Corinthians 10:6-10.  “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.  Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.  Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.  Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.  Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.”

 

Some of the people got involved in Idolatry, in Exodus 32, because they wanted something they could see, and was more exciting and fun.  Others decided God’s moral standards didn’t matter, getting involved with the Midianite women, in Numbers 25.  Others began to accuse God of not caring or keeping his promise and were killed by fiery serpents in Numbers 21.  Still others got angry when Korah and his followers were judged and complained about what God had done, resulting in the deaths of almost fifteen thousand people. today many people have adopted doctrines and worship from other religions because it is more appealing.  God’s standards of morality are ignored, with adultery, homosexuality, and transgenderism readily accepted by many who claim to be Christians.  Because the Lord has not yet returned, many people have decided God’s word cannot be trusted, and those who follow God’s standards are frequently attacked for not accepting other people’s ideas.    

 

Paul reiterates his statement that God had these things recorded so that we would be aware of the dangers of such attitudes.  We need to be aware how easily we can slip into those things if we become complacent or over confident as he warns in I Corinthians 10:11-15.  Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.  Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.  Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.  I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.”

 

While we may thing we are the only ones to have the problems we have, they are actually quite common.  Jesus himself experienced all the temptations we will ever face, as Heb 4:15-16 tells us.  “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”  Because he has experienced those temptations, Christ knows how to help us overcome them.  We just need to trust him enough to follow his leadership, even when it doesn’t seem right.    Proverbs 3:5-7 advises,  “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”  When we depend on our own wisdom or our feelings instead of trusting Christ, we will mess up, just as the Jews did.  As Hebrews 11:6 states, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”    

Facing Daily Struggles

 Thousands of Old Testament saints believed and obeyed God but never received the promises God had made, because God did not limit those blessings to them, but included us as well, as we see in Hebrews 11:39-40.  “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”

 

We have records of some of the things they have gone through to demonstrate it is possible to have such faith.  With such examples from the past, we need to commit ourselves do the same things just as an athlete might look up to a father he played the same sport.  It would be embarrassing to mess up on every play when his father was watching.   Similarly, we ought to be embarrassed to mess up the most basic actions in our Christian life when we think about what others have gone through.  Like those athletes, we can learn from those who have gone before us, and especially our Lord, as Hebrews 12:1-4 tells us.  “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”

 

Many times we get the feeling being a Christian is just ttoo hard and want to give up.  When we understand what Christ has gone through on our behalf and what others have experienced, we are far less likely to give up.  Compared to what some of them, including the Lord have gone through our sufferings are pretty small, and even those who are suffering most are still alive.     

 

Often our struggles are the result of our own actions.  Like a little child who is being punished, we may conclude God doesn’t love us because he allowed these things to happen to us.  Such an attitude clearly demonstrates we don’t really understand how much God loves us.  The parent who allows his child to experience pain or punishes him may be trying to teach him that certain behaviors are dangerous or unacceptable because he loves him and knows he will not always be there to protect him.   People who don’t understand that love may become rebellious and deliberately disobey. 

 

We as Christians need to understand that God sometimes allows things to happen or punishes us because he loves us, as Hebrews 12:5-8 tells us.  “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”  Any parent who truly cares about his children will make an effort to teach them what is right.  A parent who refuses to discipline children is refusing to take responsibility for them, implying that they are not really his children. 

 

Unfortunately, parents sometimes become more concerned with their own convenience than with what is best for the child, but we still learned to respect and obey them.  God always acts with our best interests in mind, to help us be holy just as he is.  Discipline is never pleasant at the moment, but in the long run it pays off, as we see in Hebrews 12:9-13.  “Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?  For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”

 

Instead of sitting around complaining about how unpleasant our life is, we need to need to stand up and approach life positively, knowing that god loves us and is doing what is best for us.  If we choose to focus on how bad things are we will only become more depressed and eventually turn away from God.   How we choose to react to God’s discipline will determine what our life will be like. If we believe he loves us, we will try to obey him, avoiding further discipline.  If we spend our time whining instead, he will send more chastisement.  It is our choice.  A good church will encourage us by constantly reminding us who Christ is and what he has done.  Those who do not attend church regularly lack such encouragement. 

Examples of Demonstrated Faith

 God is omniscient, knowing the future and is omnipotent, having the power to make everything happen as he planned.  When we believe that he also loves us, it is not hard to obey his commands, believing that everything will turn out properly, as Romans 8:28 tells us.  “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.”  This kind of faith makes it possible to obey God even when everything seems to contradict his command. 

 

Though it had never rained, Noah built the ark as God commanded because of his faith, as Hebrews 11:7 tells us.  “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”   The rest of mankind could have followed his example, but did not because they didn’t believe God, and as a result they all died.  

 

Because he believed God, Abraham believed God, leaving his family and property to go to a country he knew nothing about,  simply because God told him to, as Hebrews 11:8-10 tells us.  “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.  By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”  He lived in the land for a hundred years as a nomad, never owning any land except the grave site where Sarah was buried.   

 

At ninety, Sarah was far past her childbearing years when Isaac was born, and had given up hope of having a child, but because she believed God, she was able to have the child, who would father the nation of Israel, according to Hebrews 11:11-12.  “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.”

 

Although they believed God, it would be six hundred fifty years before any of Abraham’s descendants would own the land God had promised.  Their faith and obedience demonstrates that They put God’s promises ahead of any earthly benefits, as Hebrews 11:13-16 explains.  “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.  And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”

 

Time after time, Abrahams descendants were called on to again demonstrate their faith by obeying God’s command, before they received the land, as Hebrews 11:17-31describes.  “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.  Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

 

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.  By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.  By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

 

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.  By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.  By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.  Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

 

By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.  By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.  By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.”

 

Even after they had received the land, the Israelites demonstrated their faith by obedience, and were blessed because of it as Hebrews 11:32-38 describes.  “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

 

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”

 

While God miraculously spared many of those who believed him, others were killed because of their obedience.  Real faith will obey God even when obedience places our lives at risk.  Shadrach Meshach and Abednego understood this when they told Nebuchadnezzar, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.  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.  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.”  They were committed to trusting God even if he allowed them to die.  Even when they had done all that, they had not received all the promises as Hebrews 11:39-40 tells us.  “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” 

 

The Old Testament saints have not received the fulfillment of the promises so that those who have believed since Christ’s crucifixion can also share those promises.  It requires the same kind of faith to please God today as it took in the Old Testament. 

Our Actions Demonstrate Our Faith

 Our innermost attitudes and beliefs affect everything we do.  Many times our actions contrast markedly with what we profess to believe, indicating there is a problem with our faith as James 2:17-20 tells us.   Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”  Meaningful, living faith will result in appropriate actions. 

 

Hebrews 11 is often called the Faith Chapter.  The first verse defines faith.  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  To get an idea what that means, imagine an event that you have heard about that occurred in your childhood.  Even though you cannot remember it, you believe it is true because you trust the people who told you about it.  In a similar fashion, by faith we can know that what God has said is true, because we know who he is.  Because they believed God, the old Jews of the past acted according to his commands, and earned Gods approval, as Hebrews 11:2 states.  “For by it the elders obtained a good report.”

 

In the modern world we are taught that the world came into existence as a result of a series of random accidents.  God has stated in his word that he created it in an orderly fashion.  Because we believe God to be telling the truth we accept his version, as Hebrews 11:3 says.  “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”   

 

We don’t know much about what instructions God had given before the flood, but it is clear there were some from Genesis 4:6-7.  “And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?  If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.”  Because Abel believed God, he offered what God had asked for while Cain offered what he wanted to give.  Hebrews 11:4 tells us, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”  Rather than do as God asked, Cain murdered Abel demonstrating his own wickedness and Abel’s righteousness.    

 

Like Cain, the majority of the people before the flood were focused on doing their own thing rather than obeying God, even though Seth and his descendants chose to worship God.  Enoch stood out because he didn’t just ritually worship God, he had a personal relationship with God, as Genesis 5:24 tells us.  “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”  Hebrews 11:5 tells us, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

 

Our relationship with God is similar to the relationship of a parent to a child.  When the child loves and  trusts the parent completely, they will do exactly as the parent says, just because the parent said that is the way they want it.   He trusts the parent to have reason for doing it that way, and understands that doing it another way may interfere with what his parent intends.  Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  If we are to please God, we must believe he actually exists and that he will reward those who love him enough to obey his commands.  In John 14:21, Jesus said, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”  If we do not care enough to do what he asks, we shouldn’t expect him to reward us or even spend a lot of time with us.   

 

Our obedience to God demonstrates how much we love him as John 14:23-24 tells us.  “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

Understanding What Christ Has Done Is vital for Strong Faith

Putting God First

 Belshazzar was so busy celebrating his power the Medo-Persian Empire, led by Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Persian captured Babylon in a single night.  He had promised Daniel great authority and power for interpreting the handwriting on the wall, but lost the kingdom that same night, as Daniel 5:30-31 tells us.  “In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.  And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.”  Darius had been born about the time Daniel was taken into captivity.

 

Darius completely reorganized the government of the Babylonian Empire.  In the process, thanks to God’s direction, he gave Daniel a position very similar to the one Belshazzar had promised him, as we see in Daniel 6:1-3.  “It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.  Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”

 

In any system where politics plays a role, whether government, business, church, or family, the focus is more about advancing ones power or prestige than about what is good for the entity they supposedly serve.  There is a constant effort to undercut anyone who poses a potential threat to someone else’s advancement, and consideration of Daniel for prime minister was seen as a threat to all the other officials,  and they began to seek some way to discredit him, as 6qanil 6:4-5 describes.  “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.  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.” 

 

Realizing they would not be able to find any moral or financial improprieties to charge him with, they decided to make a law against something he habitually did, specifically about the way he worshipped God.  Daniel 6:6-9 describes their efforts.  “Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.  All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.  Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.  Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.”

 

Using flattery and claiming that all the people supported the idea they convinced Darius to make the law, knowing that once it had been signed, it could not be changed according to their constitution.  Swayed by the claims of popular support, like many politicians, Darius did not think about what the side effects of the law would be.  If followed, the law would require that the king personally address every problem or need of every individual in the empire.  While it would give him almost godlike power, it would keep him so busy with individual requests he would not be able to deal with national affairs.  Throughout history the idea of controlling every detail of people’s lives has destroyed government after government, but unfortunately, such power appeals to some people. 

 

Daniel had been worshipping God since his capture more than sixty years before.   He did no change his behavior or make any effort to hide his worship because of this law, as Daniel 6:10 tells us.  “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”   Daniel was not acting from civil disobedience, but in obedience to God.

The jealous officials spied on Daniel, and demanded his arrest, in Daniel 611-13, reminding the king that he could not commute Daniel’s sentence.  “Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.  Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?

 

The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

 

Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.”

 

Hearing their charges against Daniel, Darius realized he had been played for a sucker and had made a foolish mistake.  He spent the rest of the day looking for some way he could circumvent their manipulations, but was unable to find any.  The officials demanded that he follow the law, in Daniel 6:14-15.  “ Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.  Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.”

 

Forced to cast Daniel into the lion’s den, the King stated that he believed Daniel’s god would deliver him because of his faith.  He had Daniel sealed in the Lion’s den so there could be no question of his having tried to protect Daniel, in Daniel 6:16-17.  “Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.  And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.”

 

Though he believed God would take care of Daniel, the king didn’t get much sleep worrying about him.  He was tremendously relieved when he heard Daniel’s voice the next morning, as Daniel 6:18-23 tells us.  “Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep went from him.  Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.  And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

 

Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.  My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.  Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.”

 

 Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, Daniel was pared because of his faith in God.  The men who had orchestrated Daniels conviction were executed, and the entire empire heard about God as a result of his faith, as Daniel 6:24-28 tells us.  “And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.  Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.  I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.  He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.  So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.” 

 

Darius died seven years later and Cyrus took the throne, retaining Daniel as prime minister for at least three years, according to Daniel 9.    

God Always Keeps His Promises

 Nebuchadnezzar died and and his son Awil Marduk or Evil Merodach became king.  After just two years he was ousted and Neriglissar, one of Nebuchadnezzars sons-in law took his place.  A coup led to him being replaced with his son Labashi Marduk,.  Another coup led to another son in law, a Syrian prince known as Nabonidus becoming king.  A rebellion in northern Arabia led to him making his son Belshazzar co-regent and leaving him in charge while he went to suppress the rebellion.   The cost of his war caused severe inflation, making Nabonidus very unpopular and he decided to stay in Arabia, leaving Belshazzar as king for fourteen years.  History describes Belshazzar as extravagant and immoral.   

 

Daniel 5:1-4 describes his last party.  “Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.  Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.  Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.  They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.”

 

Over sixty years before, Nebuchadnezzar had seized control of Judah and Jerusalem.  Fifty years before Nebuchadnezzar had brought all the furniture and vessels used for worship in the Temple to Babylon for safe keeping after repeated rebellions by the Jewish people.  In open mockery of God, Belshazzar had those vessels brought to his feast to use in a drunken party celebrating the Babylonian gods.   God spoiled their celebration, as Daniel 5:5-9 tells us.  “In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.  Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.  The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.  Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.  Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.”

 

An unattached hand writing on the wall was quite disconcerting, but it got worse when even their most knowledgeable linguists could not read the writing.  Belshazzar and Nabonidus were co kings, but he offered the job of prime minister to anyone who could read the writing.  His mother, one of Nebuchadnezzars daughters remembered what had happened when Nebuchadnezzar had his vision, and recommended he consult Daniel, in Daniel 5:10-12.  “Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed: There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers; Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”

 

 

Taking her advice, Belshazzar consulted Daniel, who explained why this had happened in Daniel 5:13-24.  “Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?  I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.  And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not show the interpretation of the thing: And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

 

Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.  O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour: And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.  But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.

 

And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.”

 

Because Belshazzar had not learned from Nebuchadnezzar’s experience, he had mocked God, and the hand had been sent as a result.  He then explained what the writing meant, in Daniel 5:25-28.  “And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.  This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.  TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.  PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”  Because Belshazzar and the Babylonians had rejected God and were not living in an acceptable manner, they would be conquered by the Medo-Persian Empire. 

 

Belshazzar immediately kept his promise to reward Daniel for interpreting the message, in Daniel 5:29.  “Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.”  What Belshazzar didn’t know was that while he was planning his party, the Medo Persian army had seized the head gates of the Babylonian canal system and begun diverting the water from the Euphrates river.  They also attacked Nabonidus’ stronghold, destroying the Babylonian army.  Two days later the water level had dropped enough they were able to enter the city by through the opening that allowed the river to flow through the city that same night, as Daniel 5:30-31 tells us.  “In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.  And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.” 

 

Cyrus the Persian had united the Medes and Persians into a single Empire, with him and Darius the Mede as co-regents.  God had told Judah they would be held by Babylon for seventy years, and Prophesying that Cyrus would cause the Temple to be rebuilt in Isaiah 44:28, more than two hundred years before.  “That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.”  God used Belshazzar’s preoccupation with his feast and mocking God to set the stage for Cyrus to fulfil Isaiah’s prophecy.  God always keeps his promises, no matter how improbable they may seem or how much the world may make fun of them.  We just need to trust him. 

Our Faith Affects Other People

 Daniel had demonstrated his faith by following God’s command not to eat certain foods.  As a result god had blessed him with special knowledge and abilities.  Daniel 4 describes the effect of that faith on Nebuchadnezzar in his own words.  Daniel 4:1-3 describes his reasons for writing this chapter.  “1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.  I thought it good to show the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.  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.” Nebuchadnezzar then describes how he came to consult Daniel about his vision or dream and describing it to him. 

 

Daniel knew immediately what the dreams meant.  He also knew that people tend to get angry when their behavior is questioned and Nebuchadnezzar was a proud man.  By telling what God had said, Daniel knew he was placing his life at risk.  Various Jewish kings had had prophets killed or imprisoned for telling them they were doing wrong without concern for either the law or their history, and Nebuchadnezzar had no such constraints.  Trusting God to work things out, Daniel explained the meaning anyway, in Daniel 4:19-27.  “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.  The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; 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: 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.

 

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; This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: 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.  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.

 

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

 

For about a year, Nebuchadnezzar was pretty careful about what he said, but after a while he forgot about the prophecy, as he explains in Daniel 4:28-30.  “All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.  At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.  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?  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.   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.  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.

 

Everything happened Nebuchadnezzar exactly as Daniel had prophesied, with God reminding him of the prophecy.  Babylonian records indicate this took place about twenty five years after Nebuchadnezzar became king.  Finally, after seven years, Nebuchadnezzar recognized God’s power, and recovered, as he describes in Daniel 4:34-37.  “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.   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?  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.  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.”

 

Because of his faith, God used Daniel to warn Nebuchadnezzar, and as a result he left the old Babylonian beliefs and began to worship God.    

Real Faith Produces Obedience

 Daniel and his three friends had completed their three years in the royal university, and had been assigned to positions of authority in the Babylonian government.  Nebuchadnezzar had conquered most of the countries in the Middle East, and to memorialize his victories, he built a huge gold statue, some ninety feet tall, and nine feet through and ordered all the government officials to demonstrate their loyalty by bowing down to it, as described in Daniel 3:1-6.  “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.  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.  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.  Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

 

In Exodus 20:4-5 God had commanded the Israelites, “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;  And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” 

 

Now every Jew who has been given authority had to decide whether they will obey Nebuchadnezzar or God.   Frequently Christians today find themselves find themselves having to choose between what they believe and what the government demands.  Both Peter and paul addressed this situation, with I Peter 2:13-14 commanding, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.”  When forbidden by the Jewish authorities to teach in Jesus’ name, however, Acts 5:29 tells us, “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”  As a general rule, Christians are to obey the laws, whether federal, state or local, but when the laws go against what God has commanded, God’s command takes precedence.  Please understand that is God’s command, not our convictions or doctrines.  We are not to act out of civil disobedience, but in obedience to God. 

 

Knowing what was commanded, the majority of the rulers, including the Jewish ones followed Nebuchadnezzar’s command, but three men did not, according to Daniel 3:7-12.  “Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.  Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.  They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.  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 music, shall fall down and worship the golden image: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.  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.”

 

Satan always tries to capitalize on these conflicts between human authority and God’s authority to drive people away from God.  Nebuchadnezzar immediately called in Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, demanding that they they follow his law or face the consequences, in Daniel 3:14-15 warning them that they better not trust God to take care of them.  “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?  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 music, 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?”

 

Knowing they were doing what God had commanded, the three were not hesitant to refuse to obey the king, though tye were respectful to him, in Daniel 3:16-18.  “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.  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.  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.”  They believed that God was the final authority and that he might allow them to be killed, but they were going to obey him anyway. 

 

Like many political leaders today, Nebuchadnezzar rook their stance as a challenge to his authority and increased the penalties in Daniel 3:19-23.  “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.  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.  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.  Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.”

 

God allowed them to be thrown into the furnace at its hottest.  He was going to show his power was greater than that of either the fire or Nebuchadnezzar, as described in Daniel 3:24-27.  “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, 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.

 

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.  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.  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.”

 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not save by a last minute court order or political intervention,  They were saved by the power of God and it was obvious nothing else could have saved them.  Nebuchadnezzar himself was forced to recognize God’s power, as Daniel 3:28-30 tells us.  “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.  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.  Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.”

 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego acted out of faith, because they truly believed God.  James 2:17-18 tells us, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”  They had believed God enough to choose to follow God’s laws about what they were to eat in Daniel 1.  Because their faith was a living thing, it grew and they were able to act on it here in chapter 3, even though they didn’t know what the results would be. 

 

God doesn’t always give us the results we desire, as Hebrews 11:35-38 tells us.  “Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.  Like Job in Job 13:15, real faith says, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”  Tod often what we call faith is in favorable results rather than in trusting God to do what is best.  We act so God will do what we want rather than seeking his will.  .