Daniel, the Devil's Schemes, and Divine Dreams

1.  Scripture Reading: Daniel 7:1-14

 2.  Song #1 - Phil Bena: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbF8isc-ToM

Daniel’s willingness to wait on God’s timing, even in distressing times, gave him the strength both to endure and to be a gracious, hopeful testimony to others.

 3.  Passage for reflection and meditation: Daniel 12:1-4; 8-10; 13

 12 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”

 8 I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?” 9 He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

 13 “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”

 4.  Song #2 - The Greatest Miracle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYT-VP-0fQg

Daniel’s faith gave him the gift of simplicity and a posture of trust that allowed him to stand with integrity and be a faithful steward of the gift of life God gave him.

 5.  Message: Daniel, the Devil’s Schemes, and Divine Dreams (Introduction to Daniel)

 6.  Questions for Contemplation

The sermon mentioned three admirable things about Daniel: 

His spiritual walk, 

His sincere benevolence, and 

His simplicity and civility.

Which of these do you most admire?  How could you practice such things more fully in your life and current vocation?

 Babylon was a voracious beast, hostile to God’s kingdom.  In the end, who was a bigger threat to Daniel, the king or the magi?   Are there any kings or magi in your life today?  What can you learn from Daniel about how to navigate such relationships?