Lord’s Day, Vol. 9 No. 32

Fall Down and Worship

It was in the heart of the Babylonian Empire that three Hebrew young exiles had to make a decision to worship the God of Israel only and publicly not falling down to worship the golden image that was set up by the king Nebuchadnezzar. There is grave consequence to their choice. 

Daniel 3:6 (KJV) And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

Their freedom of worship have been curtailed being captives in Babylon. Furthermore, they were coerced to worship the golden image or risk certain death!

In Daniel 1, Daniel and these three young men, Shadrach, Mishael and Abednego purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves with partaking of the king’s meat nor wine. 

Daniel 1:8 (KJV) But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

The word “purposed”, in the perfect tense signifying completed action, means “set, determine, fix”. Their conviction to be obedient children of God was fixed and settled. They determined in their young heart to be dedicated, committed and devoted to their God.

They made up their mind in advance to be loyal to God. They settled it in their hearts what they will do and what they will not do. They will not defile or contaminate themselves with the pollutions of the idolatrous Babylonian culture that they found themselves captive. They made a commitment in his heart to spiritual purity. It was a step of separation unto holiness. 

They understood well the temptation to shift allegiance from their God and resisted the threat and pressure hurled upon them by the instruments of the state – 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 (KJV) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.What was their answer? Daniel 3:16-18 (KJV) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, 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 thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

The threat was very real for their defiance would be very visible. They would be the only ones standing when all others have bowed. Did not God’s Word teach obedience to civil authorities?

Romans 13:1-2 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Christians are to be law-abiding citizens because it is God who institute human government to keep law and order in society. Therefore, we are to obey the law even if we may not like it.

Notice the Hebrew young men did not go looking for trouble but when forced to make a choice, they chose to obey God rather than man. The knowledge of their God gave to them the faith to stand the test. It was at first purely cognitive then it was experiential; finally it is matured, requiring no testing.

They knew what God required of them. The commandments of God were clearly not just head knowledge but a firm conviction in their hearts. They understood whom they would give their allegiance when they had to choose!

Exodus 20:3-6 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 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: 5 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; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 

The consequence of their disobedience was greater than their defiance to Nebuchadnezzar’s decree. They obtained mercy from God by their obedience to the second commandment.

This was the promise given that God Himself will honour. How He would honour His Word is to be experienced by His people when they live by it. A Jealous God – This shows in a most expressive manner the love of God to this people. He felt for them as the most affectionate husband could do for his spouse; and was jealous for their fidelity, because He willed their invariable happiness. (Clarke, edited) They were interrogated before the king. It was a terrible ordeal. Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful dictator on earth at that time. Who dared defy him? But in the heart of these three they knew that there is a sovereign and Almighty God that is over and above this great king. To ensure that they pay for their disobedience, the furnace was heated up 7 times stronger. Faith triumphs over fear. Faith is the victory. God honoured the faith of these young men, all glory redound to Him. The Son of God, the pre-incarnate Christ manifested His presence to save and deliver these faithful ones. In the fiery furnace, they saw the glory of God. When we stand up for Jesus, Jesus stands up with us!

24 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. 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.

Jesus said in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Be of good cheer is to be of good courage, be strong in the power of His might. He is able. Abiding peace and enduring courage are the lot of the faithful. May the Lord bless His church with such courage for such a time as this. Amen.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee