Monday April 9th, 2018 Daniel 3:1-30
"But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up." (verse 18)
Most of us live in places where we can express our beliefs without being afraid for our lives, but on a daily basis we can still be “thrown into the fire” in different ways. We may be asked to tell a lie for a superior where we work. We may be laughed at or rejected if we choose not to participate in the things that everyone else is doing. We may even experience rifts and tension within our own families for choosing a path that is different from theirs. These are just a few examples and, although not life-threatening, they remind us that it isn’t easy to stand apart.
What stands out to you as you read today’s passage? Is it the fact that the young Jewish men in the story declare their faith that the God they worship will rescue them. Or, is it the fact that they say even if he doesn’t, they will still refuse to do what they know is wrong in his eyes?
It’s an important question to ask ourselves, even as we remember that God is always with us.
Dear God, help us to be loyal to you in all circumstances. Amen. — DLG
Contributed by Into the Fire
Most of us live in places where we can express our beliefs without being afraid for our lives, but on a daily basis we can still be "thrown into the fire" in different ways. We may be asked to tell a lie for a superior where we work. We may be laughed at or rejected if we choose not to participate in the things that everyone else is doing. We may even experience rifts and tension within our own families for choosing a path that is different from theirs. These are just a few examples and, although not life-threatening, they remind us that it isn't easy to stand apart.
What stands out to you as you read today's passage? Is it the fact that the young Jewish men in the story declare their faith that the God they worship will rescue them. Or, is it the fact that they say even if he doesn't, they will still refuse to do what they know is wrong in his eyes?
It's an important question to ask ourselves, even as we remember that God is always with us.
