Remaining Faithful in a Hostile Land

CONSIDER THIS

Daniel’s story starts right as Babylon invades, plunders and totally devastates Jerusalem. They even steal the sacred vessels from the temple, while capturing some of the best and finest Jews to serve at the king’s palace. Among these prisoners were four guys — well, really, they were only teenagers: Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azeriah — you might know them as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. 

By the time we finish reading the book, we might be wondering: how in the world can these kings be so brainless? They keep seeing that Daniel’s God is in fact the one and only true God — but then they instantly turn and do something outrageous like drinking wine out of  His sacred vessels or tossing people into furnaces. 

That’s part of the big picture posed by Daniel: How do we live under the control of people who just don’t get it while still remaining true to God? The answer? Simply know our God is sovereign, our God is powerful, our God is a good good God. Nothing happens without His permission. Nothing happens outside of His purpose and plan. We can trust Him wholeheartedly. This brings us hope, courage and encouragement so we can remain faithful in a world that has lost its mind. 

READ: Daniel 1

WATCH
Sunday’s service: therivercolorado.org/sermons/remaining-faithf…n-a-hostile-land/
The Daniel Overview from the Bible Project: bibleproject.com/explore/video/daniel/

GROW DEEPER

• Do you remember hearing a childhood story from the book of Daniel? Which is your favorite? Why?
• How would you react if you were taken to a foreign land as a captive? How would you remain faithful to God in a hostile culture?
• Have you ever been in a situation when you felt all alone in your faith? How are you remaining faithful today amidst trials and conflict?
• Think about how a sovereign God accomplishes His plan and purposes by sending Daniel and his three friends into exile in Babylon — and their faith flourishes. In what ways do you identify with Daniel?
• What did you learn from Sunday’s sermon? How will this impact your walk with the Lord this week?