Read

Daniel 3:7-12

⁷So at the sound of the musical instruments, all the people, whatever their race or nation or language, bowed to the ground and worshiped the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

⁸But some of the astrologers went to the king and informed on the Jews. ⁹They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “Long live the king! ¹⁰You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the musical instruments. ¹¹That decree also states that those who refuse to obey must be thrown into a blazing furnace. ¹²But there are some Jews–Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego–whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They have defied Your Majesty by refusing to serve your gods or to worship the gold statue you have set up.”

Reflect

Taking a stand for what you believe in requires a price. In the case of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, it would mean their life. Today, you won’t face death for holding on to your belief, but you may be ostracized. You may be singled out as “that bible-thumper”. A “Jesus freak”! You may not be invited to certain parties. People will act differently around you. There is a significant push right now to get “God” out of public life. When we believe in Christ, we become a “peculiar” people _{(Titus 2:14)}.

As believers in Christ, we are not to be changed by the world. We are called to change the world. There are many parts of the world today where belief in Christ would mean immediate death. There are many missionaries serving in those countries. They face that danger every day of their life. In America today, there is often little cost to following Christ. So why not make a stand?

Respond

1. Why was it important that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego didn’t bow and worship the idol of gold?
2. What would happen to them by not worshiping the idol?
3. What consequence have you paid for your belief? How did your actions affect those around you?

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