Locations & Times

Where were the three boys brave in the story today? (in the fiery furnace)

What happened to the three boys? (God sent an angel to protect them.)

Who helps you be brave? (God)

Read: Daniel 3

How were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego brave? They disobeyed King Nebuchadnezzar in order to remain obedient to the one true God. Their counter-cultural behavior and resolve to stand firm on God’s truth came at a great cost. The Bible says that when the king heard of their disobedience, he became “furious with rage” and he changed his mind about them. He heated the furnace seven times hotter than usual and made sure that his strongest soldiers were responsible for tying up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. To all of this, they replied to the king,

“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.

That is a declaration of confidence in the one true God. That is bravery. That is faith. God chose to glorify himself through saving these three men, but we know that isn’t always how the story ends. The question is, “but even if he does not ... ” are we able to say what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego said? When we’re going through the fire, are we willing to remain steady in our faith, even if the fire never slows down, even if the fire gets hotter? 

How does this story change the way you define courage?

Have you ever had to obey God at great cost to yourself? What did you learn about God?