We will not bow down

Read: Daniel 3:1-16 

We see here that King Nebuchadnezzar had built a towering gold statue. Everyone was to bow down and worship when the command was given, the trumpets sounded, and the music played.  

However, some men - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - refused to bow. ‘They paid no attention. They refused to serve other gods. (v12) 

We hear many voices and sounds in our everyday life - political, and social and even our songs become anthems. Advertising and rhetoric are all around us. Everyone has an opinion. We are pressured to accept all opinions without question.  

Why did some refuse to bow?  

Firstly, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego lived by another standard. They had grown up praying and living out a daily prayer, the ‘Shema’: 

‘The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength. Place this commandment on your heart… (Deut 6:4) 

These men refused to be distracted by other voices. They refused to follow a command from an earthly king, over their One True King. They knew the commands from God, the first of which, states ‘You shall have no other gods before me’.  

Secondly, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew God’s power and authority. They knew the stories of old - the testimonies of the deliverance of their people. These truths were written on their hearts and embedded within them. Nothing could sway them from the true character of God.  

Know who you serve! Make a choice. It can be difficult to shut out the external voices, but faithfully putting down the distractions and picking up the Word of God is a great way to start building healthy habits of leaning towards Christ.  

It’s also a great way to get to know our God. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving, ever-faithful…the list goes on. As we come to know that God alone can save, we too, will be able to declare, like these men, that ‘we will not bow down to any god, but our God.’ 

• Sally Todd 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I declare that you are my Lord and Saviour. Help me to remain focused on you today, especially when distractions come. Even when there are many other voices around me, help me stand up for you.  You are my one true King. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen 

Reflection: Do you have loud voices and distractions trying to sway you? How do we stand firm like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? 

Together Prayer:  Personal Holiness