Re: Verse reading–Daniel 3:1-2, 8-18, 25-29 (day one)
“Let it be known to you, O king, that we will NOT serve your gods and we will NOT worship the statue that you have set up.”–v 18.
Sometimes (often) the most positive thing a person can do is to say “no”. Want to build a marriage? Begin by making some promises of what you will NOT do. I will NOT be unfaithful to my spouse. I will NOT be selfish or hold grudges. Positives are implied (I will be faithful. . . I will be forgiving) but the first step is to pledge what WON’T happen.
Want to build a church? Promise I WILL NOT FORSAKE the assembling together of the saints. See Hebrews 10: 25.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abenednego dreamed of rebuilding their broken nation. Many steps still ahead, but the place to start was to say “NO” to any form of idolatry.
Strange! Sometimes, a firm, clear “no” is a very positive thing.
