Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O 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 save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
Read this story: Sally was one of the older kids. Only by a year, but still bigger than most kids in the neighborhood. As all the kids gathered to play a game, it was decided that they would pair up into threes. Sally stood back and waited while everyone quickly gathered in their group. Two young girls stood a few feet off - looking timid - and Sally went up to them and asked to be on their team. They readily accepted her. Tina yelled over to Sally - "Why are you on their team? You won't win!" Sally responded, "Maybe we will! But even if we don't, it's more important that I let these girls know how much I care about them - even if it means losing the game."
Kelly mentioned the VeggieTales story of Rack, Shack and Benny - which I have heard of, but have not seen. However, I can't help but picture how wonderful those roasted vegetables would be in that fire for a few minutes - isn't that terrible...
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood up to the king. They basically told him, "We don't have to answer you, but we will." "It doesn't matter whether we win or lose - we are not switching teams".
This is the game of life. There are many things that go on in our daily activities. Some we win, some we lose. The important thing is making sure you're on the right team. Even if it seems like another team is winning, you can't switch teams - because you find out in the long run - Only one team wins. It's the team with Jesus as the Captain.
