NOT GOING TO BOW

 

April 2, 2025 

 

Letting go of the old

to make room for resurrection and renewal.

This Week's Theme Verse

John 12:24

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, 

it remains only a single seed. 

But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

 ___________________________________________

Daniel 3:14-20

Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 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, pipe 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?” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “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.” Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace 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.

 

Standing up for what matters comes with a whole set of challenges. We often read about people who stand up against corporations for unsafe practices, politicians who cannot in good conscience carry out careless and harmful policies, or Christians whose faith foundations cannot remain silent over injustice in the workplace, or dishonesty toward clients. In all these situations the risk is high for those who take a stand, from job loss to character attacks, maybe even litigation against them.

What does it take to hold on to our values when the cost feels too high? Where do we find the strength to stay true to what we believe?

In the well-known story of Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a seemingly impossible choice: bow to the king’s idol or stay true to their faith and put their lives on the line. They chose to trust God, even though it meant being thrown into a blazing furnace. We read in our Bible account today that though they trusted God, this did not mean that they escaped the fiery furnace. Yet, we also note that God didn’t leave them alone. In the fire, in the blazing furnace, God’s presence surrounded them and protected them, and they walked out miraculously unharmed. God’s power and glory are overwhelmingly revealed so much so, that King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and declares him worthy of worship. It doesn’t end there, does it, no Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego actually receive a promotion in Babylon.

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shows us that courage doesn’t come from being strong enough on our own. It comes from trusting that God is with us, no matter what happens. Even when life feels overwhelming, His power and goodness are greater than our fears. Remember, God walks with us through every “fiery” trial, and His presence is your strength.