Jump Start # 3698
Daniel 3:12 “There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. These men, O king have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods, or worship the golden image which you have set up.”
Like an old movie that we’ve seen a dozen times, this remarkable story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego is something dear to our hearts. Courage. Conviction. Faith. With an element of fear, death and consequences. Remember, this was not placed in our Bibles so we’d have something to talk about in VBS to the kids. This is a real story. This really happened. It is revealed to show the power of faith and the power of our God.
Away from home, in a foreign and hostile land, these Jewish believers made a difference. Remember, they weren’t foreign exchange students visiting Europe. They were taken against their will. They were kidnapped, as the beloved city of Jerusalem was torched. The temple was robbed and the walls around the city crumbled.
One of the first things that take place was that Babylon tried to brainwash and reprogram these Jewish captives. And, right here, we see the textbook way in which Satan tries to change the culture of believers. They were taught the language and literature of Babylon. They were given foods that Babylonians eat. They were given new names. They were forced to worship Babylonian gods.
The names Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego all had connections to Babylonian deities. Blasphemous. Mocking. Insulting. That’s what those names were intended to do.
Within this, we find powerful lessons for us:
First, our culture tries to change us. Rather than conforming to the Word of God, our culture wants to change the message. It’s easier, some think, to change the word than to change yourself.
The first step is in renaming and rebranding. Harsh reality of sin is softened by acceptable words. Curse words are repeated in so many avenues that few are offended by them. Fearful of judging, the voice of the righteous becomes quiet. And, culture has the first step into our hearts and homes.
The second step is to tame us. Everyone was bowing before the statue except these three Jewish men. It can’t be wrong if so many are doing it, becomes the standard. Look how popular this is. Wrong takes on a different shade. Now, it’s “I wouldn’t do it, but I can’t tell someone else that they shouldn’t.” Choice. Rights. Freedom. Mix all those in a bowl and abortion doesn’t seem so bad. Legalizing drugs, not so bad. I wouldn’t do, but if someone else wants to, that’s their choice. Tamed. Tamed and didn’t even see it coming. Tamed and didn’t even know it.
The third step is that our culture claims us. Rename– tame– claim. One-two-three. Christians that live and act no different than the world. Christians that get into the gutter of sin and think nothing about it. Notice how many young Christians are seeing nothing wrong with social drinking. Twisting Scriptures, finding loop holes, these young hearts do not realize that they have been tamed and claimed by our culture today. Giving up on God’s authority. Justifying divorce for any reason. Renamed. Tamed. Claimed.
So, what’s the answer? The answer is found in Daniel.
First, make up your mind that you will not be changed. Daniel refused to eat the king’s food. Away from home and in a foreign land, Daniel could have found a lot of ways to justify it. He didn’t. His mind was made up. When you haven’t made your mind up, culture will do it for you.
Second, stand. That’s what the three Jewish men did when everyone else was bowing down. They made a decision on whose side they were on. If you haven’t decided and if you are uncommitted, culture will claim you. They were noticed. There were consequences. They made a difference. You may be the only one who stands up at work. You may be the only one who stands up in the congregation. You may be the only one who stands up at home. People will talk about you. They will tell others about you. You might get in trouble. But God also notices. And, God sees that you were not changed by the culture around you.
We live in Babylon. This is not our home. We are often forced by pressure to accept, ago along with and even participate in things that just are not right. For the sake of a job, a reputation, or out of fear, we might bow to the pressures of culture. But, those of faith, have made their minds up. Their minds were shaped by the will of God. And, when told to bow, these believers will stand. When told, you’ll get in trouble, they know God will provide.
The Corinthians were told to be steadfast and unmovable. Our times are trying to move you. Hold fast. Dig in. Stand your ground. Don’t give the devil an inch.
Roger