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Theme: Worshiping God/ God Calls His People (1 Samuel- Malachi)
In Daniel 3:17, three friends had complete faith that God could save them, and they stayed faithful to God when they refused to bow down to the gold statue. What things do other people say are important in their lives? Have you ever been tempted to think of those things as more important than God?
The three friends chose to worship God, and God protected them in the fiery furnace. As you listen to the episode, think about the ways God may give you the courage to worship and follow him, even when it’s difficult.
After you listen
Memory Verse
“The God we worship can save us from you and your flaming furnace. But even if he doesn't, we still won't worship your gods and the gold statue you have set up.” (CEV)
Quiz
A: They were officials in the kingdom.
A: He saw a fourth man, who looked like “the son of the gods.”
A: No. Their clothes weren’t even burned in the furnace.
Reflect
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had important jobs for an important king. It would have been easy to care about their jobs or their popularity more than anything. But when the king wanted them to worship his gold statue instead of God, they refused. They risked their jobs, their status, and their lives because they chose to worship the one true God and nothing else.
God gave Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego good jobs, and he gives us many good things in life, like sports, school, music, family, and friends. But idols aren’t just gold statues. Any good thing can become an idol when we love it more than God. But with God’s help, we can have the courage to choose him over anything, to worship him no matter what. He will protect our hearts, just like he protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
You can read more about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 1-3. Want to dig deeper and learn more about choosing to worship God? Check out Acts 16:16-40 (Paul and Silas in Prison), Psalm 40, and Joshua 24:14-15.
Challenge
Make a list of all the things you love. Maybe there are some silly things, like ice cream.
But make sure you include anything that takes your time, thoughts, and energy.
These can be great things, like
your parents,
your siblings,
your favorite activities,
and special pets.
Remind yourself that God gave you all of these good things, and while they can be important, they should never be more important than God in your heart.
Look at your list, and say a prayer. Ask God to keep these good things from becoming idols in your heart. Pray that he will help you have the courage and strength to worship him, no matter what.
