Our God Is Able – October 28, 2024

Read: Daniel 3:16-28

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.”
Daniel 3:16-18

Our God Is Able

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you heard the Bible story entitled “The Three Men in the Fiery Furnace?” It’s amazing! Three men were about to be thrown into a blazing furnace. The Lord delivered them from certain death. He kept their bodies and clothes from being destroyed by fire (you couldn’t even smell any smoke on them!). It was a complete and total and physics-defying deliverance from certain death. The three men didn’t know it would turn out that way. But they didn’t care. So, they made a very bold confession from which we can learn a lot. They stated clearly that their God had the power to save them from dying. But then they said, “Even if he doesn’t save us from this fire, we will trust in him and obey him.”

What an amazing thing for them to say! They had everything to lose. They were important officials in the government. The king liked, admired, and respected them. They probably enjoyed a good living because of their high positions. But they were willing to give it all up if they did one small thing: Just bow down to an idol! Everybody is doing it. It’s just a way to show respect to your king.

But they stood their ground. Why? Because God was the only one, they would bow down to. Why were they willing to give up everything? Because their trust was in the God who had given them everything. Their position, possessions, and even their lives in this world were all from the Lord, but those were nothing compared to the eternal blessings that the Lord had given them. They knew they belonged to him forever because of the promise he made to them in his Word. They knew of their true King who would come to wipe out sin and conquer death. They knew of the One who would stand up to the lies of Satan, the imposter king of this world. They knew the One who would give his life, that they might lose everything in this world and gain eternal life in his death and resurrection. They trusted him. He was worth everything to them, and they showed it.

What words for God’s children to live by today: “Our God is able to save us, but even if he doesn’t, we’ll trust in him and live for him.”

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you are the true King of our hearts and lives. Give us boldness to always live for you. Amen

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What were the names of the three men of God in today’s Bible reading?
• What did the three men refuse to do that got them into trouble?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why was it a big deal for the three men to bow down to an idol?
• An idol is something/someone you follow and give your love and loyalty to other than God. Identify an “idol” in your life that you need to say NO to.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Have you ever been tempted to “bow down to an idol” instead of trusting Jesus?
• Why were the men willing to give up their lives in this world rather than commit sin? Where can we find strength to do the same?