Directions
Choose one activity out of each section below. When you complete your chosen activity in a section, place a sticker on your sticker chart.
Need a break from screen time? Print the lesson as a pdf here, then grab paper, a pen, and crayons and head outside.
Having fun and don't want to stop? Do more than one activity in your favorite section(s)!
Story Time
Option 1:
Read Daniel 3 out of your own Bible. Any version of the Bible will do!
Option 2:
Read the story of the Fiery Furnace online at this link. (NRSV)
Option 3:
Watch this video of Shadrack, Meshack, and Abendigo. (This is from a Lenten video series produced for a Lutheran church in New York City, but the story is all VBS.)
Reflection Section
Choose a set of questions for deeper reflection on real life 'golden idols' and 'fiery furnaces'.
Questions for Grown-Ups
- “Golden idols” can be many things if they are more important to us than God: money, food, clothes, streaming videos. What “golden idol” sometimes tempts you? How can you reduce the temptation?
- What big challenge made you feel like you were in a “fiery furnace"? Where did you see God during that challenge? What lesson did you learn that you can take forward?
- What can you do for others who are in a fiery furnace? How do you share hope with them?
Questions for Young Disciples
Golden Idols are things that we sometimes accidentally worship more than God. We all have "Golden idols" in our lives and they change throughout our life so sometimes they can be hard to recognize. What are some of your "Golden idols"? Is it Air Pods? A new baseball bat that is guaranteed to improve your game? Maybe it is a skin or V-Bucks for Fortnite or a collection of weapons, tools, and materials for Minecraft? How can you make sure you are putting God before your "golden idols"?
Questions for Younger Disciples
Our story talks about a fiery furnace which is like some place that you wouldn't want to be. What kind of "fiery furnaces" have you been in? Maybe you were grounded and had to stay in your room. Maybe you had to go with your parents while they ran errands and it felt like forever. Maybe your class had to stay inside instead of going outside for recess. How is God with you while you are in your "fiery furnace"? How can you encourage or help others when they are going through a bad time?
Imagination Station
Option 1:
Download and complete today's Furnace Craft.
Option 2:
Download and color the Furnace Coloring Page.
Option 3:
Take digital photos that remind you of courage: scars, battle wounds, or other symbols.
Outdoor Adventure
Option 1:
Spend 60 minutes outside with a (safe) fire. Watch the flames and take time to reflect on how God has walked with you through many flames.
Option 2:
Take a walk and think about some of the golden idols in your life. Is it time to let go?
Activity for Families:
Find things that are made of gold in your house and talk about their value. Then find things that represent God in your house. Finally, go back outside and talk about God's value in your life.
Mission Moment
Option 1:
Think of someone who may be in a “fiery furnace.” Send them a quick note to let them know that you are praying for them. Then pray.
Option 2:
Share your craft on social media with a short phrase about how God grants us courage.
Worship with Us!
All done? Hooray! Complete your sticker chart, and then go to our private Facebook group and share a photo or insight from this lesson. Check your e-mail for the link!
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