Introduction

Let us turn to Daniel, Chapter 3. What is the theme of Chapter 3? No other god can deliver in this way. The overarching theme of the Book of Daniel is that God reigns in the kingdoms of men. In Chapter 1, we see God reigning in the kingdoms of men. Daniel dared to challenge the king's command, where the king ordered them to have fine wine and rich food, but Daniel only ate vegetables.

The chief official found it difficult to resolve this issue, but Daniel stepped in and solved it. Why? Because he knew that God reigns in the kingdoms of men! If God reigns in the kingdoms of men, what do we have to fear today? What we need is to revere the God who created the universe. Since God reigns in the kingdoms of men, we need to carefully consider whether we can be like Daniel.

In Daniel, Chapter 2, we still see God reigning in the kingdoms of men. We must be like Daniel, wholeheartedly trusting in God, and any problem can be solved. The king had a dream, but he forgot what he had dreamt, so he summoned the magicians to interpret the dream for him. But since the king had forgotten the dream, the magicians had no idea what the king had dreamt, let alone how to interpret it for the king. Later, Daniel took over the matter, knowing that God reigns in the kingdoms of men, and that God must know the dream that the king had dreamt. As a result, Daniel not only recounted the dream but also gave its interpretation. Consequently, Daniel was promoted and given a high position.

God Reigns in Our Lives

Let's consider a question: Why are we often afraid? It is because we do not know that God reigns in our kingdoms. If we do what is right in God's eyes and trust in Him alone, I tell you, people will surely see God's glory in this world, and they will surely see how God protects us. In fact, in Daniel, Chapters 1 and 2, we clearly see how God protected Daniel and his three good friends, all of whom were people who trusted in God.

In Chapter 3, it is once again confirmed that God reigns in the kingdoms of men. How was this demonstrated? Through a very bad incident. Previously, the magicians could not solve the problem, but Daniel took over. This time, King Nebuchadnezzar erected a golden image, and he gathered all the officials from every province to dedicate the image. So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other provincial officials assembled.

This matter is quite interesting. King Nebuchadnezzar had just experienced God in the previous chapter. King Nebuchadnezzar had then fallen prostrate because Daniel had told him the dream he had dreamt and its interpretation. He said: Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of Lords and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery. Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him; he made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men.

This is strange. If Daniel's God is the King of kings and Lord of lords, why didn't Nebuchadnezzar worship this God? Why did he create another golden image for himself? Do not think that such a thing is not good; in fact, it is a good thing, because King Nebuchadnezzar was merely a tool in God's hands.

Some people are envious when they see King Nebuchadnezzar. Wow! He is so powerful and majestic! He rules the entire Babylonian Empire, how impressive! But there is nothing special about it; he is merely a tool in God's hands. This time he erected a golden image again. Do not immediately think, upon seeing this golden image, that Nebuchadnezzar was so foolish! Why erect such a golden image and hold a dedication ceremony? It is because God wants to exalt His servant again and display God’s power and glory.

Today, when we encounter unpleasant things, do not panic or be afraid. There is nothing that cannot be turned around with our God. Some people may say: Hey, are you bragging again? Is there really nothing that your God cannot turn around? The Bible says so, so we interpret it that way. I am very certain that all problems can be solved in God's presence. If you are a Christian, can your God not solve your problem? If you think it cannot be solved, then you have underestimated our God, which is a great disgrace to our God. Therefore, you cannot see God delivering you with salvation.

One of our leaders came to ask me about some new people who had joined them. Some of the new people asked: Is it true that everyone gets healed? He asked me how to answer such a question. Does this matter need to be answered? Actually, it can be answered or not answered. The Lord Jesus also encountered many such things, and He did not directly answer them.

For example, the Pharisees asked, Jesus, by what authority are you doing these things? But Jesus basically did not answer. Jesus gave them a difficult question, and those Pharisees did not know how to answer! Jesus said, I will not tell you. Later, some people came to ask Jesus: Is it right for us who revere God to pay taxes to Caesar? Jesus knew clearly, and took out a coin and said: Whose image is this on the coin? They said, Caesar's. Jesus said: Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.

It's like when we say, No other god can deliver in this way, they will ask, Is this true? That was in Daniel's time; God no longer does things like that now. Such a notion is a great offense to God. Someone comes and asks: Is it true that everyone gets healed? When we meet such a person, we directly tell him: Yes, there is one person who will not get healed, and that is you. Or I would say: Oh, I was just bragging, talking nonsense. You do not need to believe it. Just say this and it will be over. But you need to know, what do I gain by bragging like this?

Faith is the Foundation of Healing

I once met a brother in his forties. The doctor said: This man will go blind in less than a year; his retinal nerves are dying little by little. I bragged in front of him at the time. I said: All those with eye diseases who I have prayed for have been healed. As a result, his faith was immediately ignited, and he was indeed healed after the prayer. Three months later, he went to the hospital for a checkup, and the doctor said his eyes were completely healed. The four Gospels in the Bible, including the Acts of the Apostles, all say: All who came to the church were healed, and all who came to Jesus were healed. Would you say that Matthew and Luke were exaggerating too much? Is it really true that everyone was healed? But the Bible records it that way, so we believe it that way.

Even if not everyone has been healed in our hands, we cannot deny the power of God. For example, for some people whose time to die has come, well, we are not sorcerers. If the time to die has come, then it has come, because God reigns in the kingdoms of men. There is also another situation: many people do not believe it themselves. What can we do? We can't do anything; they can only go to the hospital. Because the Bible says: Your faith has saved you. How can people be saved if they do not believe? Later I discovered that people's unbelief is really the root of many problems.

Is it really true that no other god can deliver in this way? Were all who came seeking Jesus healed? Do we need to answer such questions? Even today, we have no way to verify this, but when we choose to believe, the result is that many people are healed. When we say that no other god can deliver in this way, those who believe are blessed. Let's sort out this story. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon built an idol; this is actually God's doing. God did this in order to exalt His servants who trusted in Him.

Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. (Daniel 3:4-7)

Are all these things under God's control? Absolutely. As a result, some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. Among these Jews were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; Daniel was probably not present at the time. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever! Your Majesty, you have issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. This time they have been caught red-handed. We Christians are often caught red-handed.

But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.” Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king. (Daniel 3:12-13)

The king thought he was giving them a way out. Nebuchadnezzar asked them:

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” (Daniel 3:14-15)

What god can rescue you from my hand? Isn't this very arrogant? Does God not reign in the kingdoms of men? So I think the question is, what are we thinking in our minds when we face this situation? Don't talk about being thrown into a blazing furnace. Some people are afraid of their bosses. When their bosses ask them to work overtime, they are immediately scared to death. The most deadly thing for people is not knowing that God reigns in the kingdoms of men, and not knowing that our God can deliver in this way. If you stand firm, God will manifest His power in you. Our God is very powerful.

Some time ago, I ministered to a sister who worked as a domestic helper, taking care of other people's children. She always said: They are the boss, they pay me, so I do whatever they say. As a result, after a week, she couldn't make any noise. But for people like us, if we can't answer the phone, we can't minister, and we can't lead people to pray, then what are we living for? That is her choice. She thinks that the master she works for is the greatest in her world, but is that true? In fact, her master can't solve many problems. Do we need to be afraid? We haven't even been thrown into the furnace yet, isn't this very deadly?

Our God is a God of Authority and Power

Once, while on a business trip, I ministered to a sister at the airport. Her boss spoke to her, and she was trembling with fear. A person like that has no dignity at all. How can she do her job well? It's because she doesn't know that our God reigns in the kingdom of men. Aren't your boss's bosses all in God's hands? What is there to fear? The most deadly thing for people is to live in fear and lose the power of God.

As a result, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were very clear in their hearts; they knew that God would reign in the kingdom of men. What if God took our lives through such things? Isaac thought it through particularly well: God, if you want my life, I offer it at any time. These words were not spoken by Isaac himself, but that's what he thought. Why do I say that? Because Abraham had offered Isaac to God. Did Abraham put him on the altar? No, Isaac went up himself. As a result, God told Abraham not to do it, and God Himself provided the lamb for the sacrifice.

Our God is always gracious! Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego did not think that this was the end; what did they say?

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18 NIV)

Do you understand? Forceful and firm, they were very resolute and very strong! If the three of them had thought the opposite, for instance, I still have three children at home; if I die, what will happen to my three children? I still have parents; what will happen to the elderly? If they thought this way, they would have worshiped the golden image set up by Nebuchadnezzar. Do people not know that God reigns in the kingdom of men? The three of them thought: even if we die, God will still care for those I love. King Nebuchadnezzar did not know that God reigns in the kingdom of men; he thought he was very powerful. If those who worked before the king did not know this, the trouble would be great.

We should not only fear those who take our lives but also fear the God who can kill both our lives and our souls! As for children and family, it doesn't matter; God still takes first place among men and reigns! What is there to fear? There is nothing to fear! At that time, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage and his attitude toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego was changed. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans, and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. (See Daniel 3:19-22)

King Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace and saw four men walking around in it, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looked like a son of God. Do you know that our God is with us? If our God is with us, even if we are thrown into a fiery furnace, we will not be burned to death. God has kept me through such things time and time again. How wonderful it is to have God's presence and God's protection! They were originally bound, but they walked in the furnace and were not hurt. Then Nebuchadnezzar said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here! So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire.

Speaking of this, some of us must be wondering: is there such a God? Can you not be burned to death in a fiery furnace? Are you talking nonsense? If you are willing to believe, then believe; if you are not willing to believe, then believe what you think. As for us, we choose to believe that God reigns in the kingdom of men, and no other god can save like this, so we often experience many wonderful things. If people do not know that God reigns in the kingdom of men and collapse when they encounter a little trouble, is that not a tragedy?

Faith Can Save

We all need to think carefully: are some of the things you encounter not God testing you? Are the things you encounter not God reigning? Are the things you encounter not God testing whether you trust Him? If we discern good and evil and get entangled in those things, will God ultimately lack His glory? God will not lack it at all! Because without us, this smelly tofu, God's dishes are still made, and God still saves!

As for whether it is you and me who are saved, that depends on our faith. So, what we believe is what we will get. Many people do not seek God's righteousness but only seek their own righteousness, feeling that they are doing the right thing and that everyone else is wrong, and we have to get something back from other people's problems. But Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego did not care about these things; would they later accuse these Chaldeans? No! They thanked God that there were these people who came out to show God's glory.

If someone offends us and humiliates us, if they say we are dogs, we will say we are dog excrement, and God will save us. Today we need to know that the things we encounter are just some small episodes directed by God in our lives. The purpose is to test whether we are people who trust God. Once people lose faith, they will discern good and evil, and the more they discern good and evil, the more they lose faith!

So brothers and sisters, how can we trust our God, not feel wronged and wronged when we encounter something, and always feel that there is no problem with what we do, and that it is all other people's problems? If you are that kind of person, you will not be thrown into the furnace; you will be with those people and worship the image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. But even if you worship, how will your days go? People encounter many problems! There are many times when you need God!

What exactly is your idol? Who exactly is your God? If your God is your children, then you should take a good look. I tell you, you will never solve all their problems. So I think brothers and sisters should be smart. We should look farther and stand higher, knowing that we ourselves are very in need of this God, because no other god can save like this in the world, and God can save us from all evil.

King Nebuchadnezzar, after the events of Chapter 2 and Chapter 3, made another summary. Nebuchadnezzar said:

Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut to pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon. (Daniel 3:28-30 NIV)

Do you understand? This King Nebuchadnezzar thought he was the king of Babylon, such a powerful king who built a super-large Babylonian empire. He said: Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who protects His servants who rely on Him. Whether you worship or not, it is all in God's control. So, can we also draw such a conclusion?

They gave up their lives and refused to serve other gods besides God. This is called devotion. Brothers and sisters, when we encounter things, do we still have faith in our hearts? Do we still know that God is testing us in such things? God reigns in our lives, and there is nothing we encounter that does not come from God.

Even if King Nebuchadnezzar throws us into the fiery furnace, we also know that our God will save us from anyone's hands, and even if it is not so, we will never serve other gods! Our God, from Genesis to Revelation, greatly demonstrates His power and saves His servants, and none of His servants are not saved! Even if we are not saved, we will never serve other gods besides our God. Do you understand? Such a determination is too important! So those of us who are officials, you do not need to rely on bribery, you do not need to rely on idols; you only need to be like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and no longer serve other gods besides the God we worship! You don't need to be afraid or worried either. It doesn't matter how many years people live in the world.

Overcome Through God

We carefully examine ourselves. Do we really know that God reigns in all things in our lives? If we really know, then we must discern good and evil in these matters. We only need to do one thing: when God is testing us, we can overcome all the tests! Then we will receive a reward from God.

In fact, when you read Genesis, you will see that God constantly tested Abraham. If the God we worship today is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, you will see how God tested Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and God will test us in the same way. In the process of being tested, will we overcome like Abraham?

Behind every test, God greatly rewards them and anoints them. This is our God. But if we discern good and evil, lose faith, and think that our God does not reign in us, then how should we go the next path? That is called no way to go. Only by trusting our God, knowing that our God reigns in the kingdom of men, that there is no other god besides Him, and that indeed they are not gods besides Him.

So, after reading this chapter, how should we apply such faith in our lives? We begin to imitate Daniel, imitate Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. If we imitate them, then how God saved them, God will also save us, and your life is in God's hands.

God bless you all!