Scripture to Read: Daniel 3
Worship is a constant reminder to us of our need for our Lord, our need for His power, presence, provision, peace, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. The Good News is that we have ALL of these gifts from our Lord because He dwells in us. But when we worship Him, we are constantly reminded of all we have in Him and through Him so that we do not lose heart in this world in which we live. In Daniel 3, the word “worship” is used ten times. Some of the references to “worship” denote how the people of Babylon are to bow down and worship an image of gold that Nebuchadnezzar the king had made. We also read that anyone who did NOT fall down and “worship” the image of gold was to be thrown into the middle of a furnace of blazing fire. As we know from reading Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego refused to bow down and worship the image of gold. Nebuchadnezzar was so incredibly angry at these three men that he had the furnace heated seven times hotter than normal before he had these three men cast into the blazing furnace. Let’s not miss what these three men said to Nebuchadnezzar to make him so angry. In Daniel 3:18, we read, “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Oh, that we would worship our King this way each day!
Challenge & Application
· What do you see in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego’s decision that challenges what you worship each day?
· How are you casting aside things that distract you from worshipping God each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!