Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego | Sept 12 & 13

KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 10:31

BIG PICTURE QUESTION: How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and
obeying Him.

CHRIST CONNECTION: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to
anything but God. When we trust in Jesus and God brings us from death to life, we turn away from worshiping anything else. Jesus is Savior and Lord over our lives.

STORY POINT: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the gold statue, and
God rescued them.

AT HOME:

1. Why do you think Nebuchadnezzar built a gold statue?
   Discuss how Nebuchadnezzar was prideful, and he wanted people to worship him. By
   commanding people to bow down to the statue, he demonstrated that he wanted to be in control. Remind kids that only God is worthy of worship. Idolatry is a sin. Discuss ways we might be tempted to bow down to modern-day idols (put other things or people before God).  Read Lev. 26:1.
2. Why does God allow His people to face scary, challenging, and uncertain times?
   Remind kids that God does everything for His glory and our good. Explain how we might not always understand why we face a difficult circumstance, but we can trust God is in control and working for the good of those who love Him. Share how sometimes He uses challenging times to help us remember to trust Him, depend on Him, and point others to Him. When people see Christians faithful to worship God in difficulty, it is a powerful witness to God’s goodness and grace. Remind kids that God allowed Jesus to die on the cross for our sins.
   Read Gen. 50:20.
3. Why is obeying God always best?
   Tell kids that obeying God is always best because God knows what is best for us, even when we might not understand it. Share how following God may not always be easy, but we can trust He will lead us to life. Jesus always obeyed God because He trusted God’s plan. We can trust God’s plan for our lives, knowing that He gave Jesus to save us, and in Jesus we have everything we need. Read Rom. 8:31-32.