“I will not bow.”
Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25, 28; Psalm: Daniel 3:52–56; John 8:31–42.
“If our God, the one we serve, is able to save us from the burning fiery furnace and from your power, O king, he will save us; and even if he does not, then you must know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the statue you have erected” (Dan. 3:17–18).
With the above words, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made it clear to King Nebuchadnezzar that they would not bow to his god. In fact, they became more assertive in their faith, saying that even if God would not save them, they would not bow to the statue of Nebuchadnezzar.
This confession should inform our faith in the face of temptations and trials. No matter the trials, let us learn to say, “I will not bow,” and even if it means our death, “I will not bow.” To the glory of God, they did not bow to the idol, and they did not burn in the fire. God is wonderful; he will save those who are strong in faith.
When we are sick, let us learn to say, “I will not bow to an idol and I will not die”; when we have no money, “I will not steal and I will live.” When business is failing, “I will not bow to cheats, and I will succeed.” Even when things are not working well, “I will not bow, and I will not burn.”
When there are spiritual battles, “I will not bow and I will not burn”—oh yes, parents can say by faith, “My family will not bow and we shall not burn.” Though a host encamps against me, my heart will not fear: “I will not bow and I will not burn.” Though war arises against me, “I will not bow and I will not burn.”
Beloved, we need to have this faith mentality in order to do exploit today. These men declared their freedom from the idolatry of Nebuchadnezzar. Their lives were not judged or determined by his pressure. Christians must rise against the satanic pressure of the day. Our lives should not be determined by devilish suggestions.
As in today’s gospel, let us go for the truth (God’s word) and declare our freedom from sin. Jesus says, “The truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). It is the degree of truth that we know that determines our freedom from all manners of enslavement and idol worship.
*LET US PRAY*
*Enlighten, O God of compassion, the hearts of your children, sanctified by penance, and in your kindness grant those you stir to a sense of devotion a gracious hearing when they cry out to you. May you not bow to evil pressure or burn in the furnace of wickedness. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
