Daniel 3:1-2, 4-6; 13-18, 21, 24-25, 27b-28 NAS
Related Sunday School Lesson, Family Bible Series, March 21

Daniel 3 explains that those who follow the Lord must be prepared to live in conflict with a secularized society. At least 9 of Daniel’s 12 chapters deal with conflict between those who follow the Lord and those who do not. Such conflict is to be seen as normal rather than abnormal!

Following Jesus seriously will have its difficult moments (see Mk. 4:16-17, I Pt. 4:12, II Tim. 3:12). Understand, neither Daniel nor his three friends faced conflict every day. Most of the episodes recorded here were separated by long stretches of quietude.

From time to time, we will inevitably be confronted with situations, circumstances, or choices that place us in opposition to the culture in which we live. Moments will arise when you will have to take a stand at work, school, in your community, or within your own family.

Conflict is inevitable, not because we go looking for it, but rather, because conflict often comes looking for us. These men in Daniel 3 were minding their own business. They were simply going about the normal routine of life. Nevertheless, conflict came knocking.

But why the conflict in the first place? Verse 1 provides the answer. The king’s statue represents man’s total belief in man, a belief that includes the absolute sufficiency of man’s wisdom and ability, a belief that worships man to the exclusion of God.

Christians who live in a society that elevates self and disdains God cannot possibly avoid confrontation with that society somewhere along the way. To expect anything different would be to expect that throwing a lit match in a can of gasoline would not produce an explosion.

The second thing I want you to encounter in Daniel 3 is that those who follow the Lord must be prepared for conflict that can be costly in at least 3 ways. One, your reputation might be maligned (v.12b). If this story had taken place in modern America, these accusers might have said something like this, “O king, these men are purveyors of hate; they are narrow-minded bigots; they are Nazi-like racists who should be considered as threats to the existence of our way of life.”

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had probably been the king’s greatest supporters; they had probably made more positive contributions to Babylonian society than the rest of the bureaucrats put together. However, when you question the morals of a secularized society, when you refuse to endorse the practices of a Babylonian-like culture, you will inevitably be branded in ways that are meant to make you detestable.

Verse 12a tells us that those who brought charges against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego referred to them as “certain Jews.” That was meant as a criticism. Southern Baptists have a deep respect for the Jews. However, in Babylon the term “Jew” was a “buzz” word. “Oh no, Jews! They’re nothing but trouble!”

The same thing happens today when Christians refuse to worship at the shrine of abortion, to bow at the monument of latex security, or refuse to honor the icon of homosexuality.

“Be careful, that guy is a Christian. Watch out, that guy is a disciple of Jesus Christ. Oh no, take cover, here comes a Southern Baptist.”

Two, your rationality may be questioned (vv.13b-14a). The secular mind cannot comprehend the rationality of biblical convictions. Southern Baptists promote the True Love Waits campaign, which encourages teenagers to postpone sexual involvement until marriage. That is inconceivable to the darlings of Hollywood and the National Organization of Women.

“How dare you boycott companies that promote sexual alternatives! Surely, you aren’t going to rally for the rights of the unborn! How could you possibly stand at the school board meeting and speak against a book? Are you serious about going into the managers office and demanding the company be honest with its customers?” Remember what Festus said to Paul in Acts 26:24: “You are out of your mind!”

Three, your right to exist may be denied (v.15). “Dance to the music boys, or die. Agree with me or you will not be permitted to live.” You may not be in danger of losing your life, yet, many Babylonian-like pundits who yell and scream for the freedom to say and espouse whatever they please want to refuse that same freedom to those who disagree with them.

The American Psychological Association adopted a resolution a few years ago that would limit and block the use of “reparative therapy,” a treatment that helps homosexuals who want to change their behavior.

In essence, the APA is saying, “Dance to the music, or shut up. Agree with us or you’ll not be permitted to speak.” Dancing to the music has its appeal, but when the music stops, those who have danced discover that they have bartered away their souls.

The first half of Daniel 3 may not seem like much of a recruitment poster for the Kingdom of God. However, for those with ears to hear and eyes to see, there is great attractiveness to the truth.

What attractiveness? One, the courage of conviction (vv.16-18). Two, the companionship of Christ (vv.24-25). Three, the outcome of commitment (vv.27-29). And finally, the celebration of compensation (v.30). In the end, God wins! And those who stand for Him, win with Him.