Pastor Pete began a series of talks he called Being Change six weeks ago. He used the story of Daniel from the Jewish Bible as the story line to contemplate what Being Change might look like.
It is the right story for Daniel’s homeland is devastated by the Babylonian army. Everyone is exiled as slaves and separated to different regions of the empire. Kings often would look among the boys of the people they conquered to find the brightest to serve in their courts. Daniel being good looking and intelligent was forced into the kings service. He experienced the humiliation of a name change and likely emasculation. Daniel would never see his family or homeland again. Neither would he ever set foot into a Jewish temple or synagogue again.
That was six weeks ago. Today we catch up with Daniel. He has served the Babylonian empire, but Babylon has now fallen to the Persian Empire. The Babylonian empire lasted 70 years so Daniel is an old man now. So let’s pick up the story. Daniel always served with integrity. Each king valued him for his exemplary attitude, wisdom, intelligence and honesty. Belshazzar promoted him to third highest in his empire and now Darius recognizing the same virtues intends to promote him over the entire kingdom.
The politicians who served alongside Daniel were jealous and started looking for anything that they could find to bring against him. Daniel’s service to the king and empire was impeccable. Aware that Daniel would not compromise his faith, a perfect plan was devised. A law was crafted that would secure king Darius authority, boost his ego and put Daniel in a predicament.
For thirty days prayers could only be offered to King Darius. Anyone defying the law would be thrown to the lions. Daniel does not protest, nor does he cave in. He does what he always did. Went home and prayed three times each day. The trap worked, Daniel was sentenced to the den. But the Lord is with him so he is protected from the lions.
That miracle is often the highlight of this story. I’d like to ask another question and propose another point to the story. The Daniel story is about when life is disrupted. It’s about isolation. I am wonder what sustains Daniel over 70 years enabling him to continue to Be Change?
“When Daniel learned that the decree had been signed and posted, he continued to pray just as he had always done. His house had windows in the upstairs that opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he knelt there in prayer, thanking and praising his God.” Daniel 6:4
Daniel spent regular time with God renewing his spirit and faith. He listened for God’s voice and gave attention to the Lords character and ways for his life. He experienced intimacy being known in his weakness and vulnerability. He was reminded that he was beloved in the Lord’s eyes. He prayed for others; specifically finding forgiveness for those who conspired against him. And he remembered his hope. Looking toward the ruins of Jerusalem and the temple believing that the Lord as in the past would restore God righteous and just rule on earth.
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. We continue the Danielpractice of looking back to the Lord’s faithfulness and forward with the expectation that God is bringing change and we are part Gods plan that Kingdom of God rule will be present in our lives and therefore in our world as well.
Being Change, Daniel 6