The Devil's Playbook

Knowing Satan's Offensive Schemes

In my last post, I wrote from Daniel 1 as we examined how the world attempts to indoctrinate us and try to cause us to compromise our faith. Yet, we know that we do not fight against the world only, but also the devil himself (Eph. 6:12). Again, in the book of Daniel, chapter 3: 26-30, we have a word to help us prepare for battle as we prepare for the fiery darts that Satan will throw our way—the "evil one" schemes against us and attempts to bring us to despair.

Daniel 3:26-30 says, "Pay attention, this is how the Satan works. Here is his playbook. Pay attention, go on the offensive… there's a victory to be had."

Pay Attention, as our Language is Hijacked

Right after Nebuchadnezzar had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego thrown into the furnace, and he looks in to witness their destruction, he is astonished as he sees the three teenagers walking about the flames perfectly content because they are in the presence of a fourth figure. Nebuchadnezzar admits something that grabs our attention; this fourth looks like a divine man. He looks like a god. Of course, we know this is the pre-incarnate Christ, but as the king sees this, he calls the three young men out of the flames to be inspected.

But, consider how Nebuchadnezzar calls them out of the furnace. It's there for us in verse 26,

"Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire."

Did you notice the language? "Servants of the Most High God." That's some good language. Nebuchadnezzar seems to be using biblical language to reference the three young men and their God. Dissect this comment for a moment.

Nebuchadnezzar exclaims that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are servants. He recognizes their obedience, humility, and faith. Furthermore, he uses elevating language about God, calling Him "the Most High." Nebuchadnezzar seems to be saying that God is exalted above all other gods. That's all good, right? Yes, it is. It is biblical language that Nebuchadnezzar is using.

Therefore, it may be at this point that we begin to think that a conversion is happening in the king's heart. Yet, that is not what we are seeing. It's a good declaration, but there is no substance behind it. It's a good declaration, but Nebuchadnezzar doesn't mean it in the same way as God's people. The king is using it to talk about one god in many. God's people use this phrase to proclaim that there is no other god but our God. Nebuchadnezzar says there are many gods, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's God is the supreme God. This difference matters.

I led a summer mission trip to the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina years ago. During our training, the director of the trip would tell us that the unbelieving Cherokee people would use the correct language to talk to us about the God of the Bible. They would call Him "the Sovereign" or "the Creator," and it would get people all excited and make them think that this is a brother or sister in Christ or that you led them to the Lord. Yet, they do not possess saving faith. They do not affirm the gospel of Jesus Christ nor recognize God as King and Redeemer. They use good language but do not mean it like we do.

That's what we have going on here, and you need to pay attention because the devil uses schemes just like this to attempt to lead God's people astray.

Theologically liberal preachers will say that the Bible is "inspiring" and "full of truth." At first, you might not understand what they are saying. Our Bibles are not just "inspiring," like some motivational coach you can carry around in your car or work bag. No, our Bibles are inspired. They are the very words of our Triune God, and He has ensured us that these words our inerrant and full of authority. There's a big difference between "inspiring" and "inspired."

Furthermore, our Bibles are not just "full of truth; " they are the absolute truth. So, we have an absolute truth for this life. Our feet are not firmly planted in mid-air, but we have a rock-solid foundation in Jesus and His Word.

But, you see what the "evil one" does. He sends out his servants to hijack our language so that it doesn't sound off to our hearts. We nod in agreement and buy into the lies that the enemy is hurling our way.

Pay Attention, as Threats Bring Fear

Something similar happens in verse 29. King Nebuchadnezzar makes a new law in Babylon:

"Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way."

Nobody in the entire empire of Babylon gets to question God, talk down about God, or ridicule Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for worshipping God. This seems good. I'll admit, that's what it looks like in a simple reading, but pay careful attention to how Nebuchadnezzar makes this decree.

I'll kill anyone who speaks against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego's God. I'll destroy your possessions; your home will be laid to ruins.

It's subtle, but Nebuchadnezzar is attempting to strike fear into the empire. Why? So that no one will dare whisper the name of the Lord. He doesn't want to hear it. He doesn't want to be compared to him. You think about this new law. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are in the middle of a pagan empire. The only people who would know anything about the Lord are the exiled Jews. So, now, in fear, they will not utter the Lord's name.

The threat is severe. You will be put to death. You, your family, and your possessions will be ruined. In his anger, Nebuchadnezzar makes a strong declaration… "talk about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego's God and die."

Satan likes to employ fear tactics. In our society, you fear being canceled out if you talk against critical theory agendas. Speak against the LGBTQIA+ agenda, and fear the lawsuits that will flood your mailbox. Stand up for Jesus at your job, and fear losing customers or not getting that job promotion. The devil takes advantage of the wicked culture we live in, and he begins whispering in your ear, "You must fear the outcome of standing for Christ, so just be quiet about Jesus."

But we are not called to worry about the outcome, are we? We remain faithful and leave the outcomes up to God. That's the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and the fiery furnace. Our God is able to deliver, but even if he doesn't…we won't bow.

I am reminded of Christ's teaching in Matthew 10. "Don't fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear the one who can destroy the body and soul in hell."

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abennego do not obey God's Law so that they can reap some earthly reward; they simply obey because they are faithful to him. They are his people, and He is their God. They are in a covenant relationship with God, and that demands that they be faithful unto death.

How can they display such faithfulness while they stare death right in the eyes? Because each of these three young men can say, "I am not my own but belong—body and soul, in life and death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ" (Heidelberg Catechism, Q.1), and that is their comfort in both life and death.