Series: Resilience
Message: Strength
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 18:28-33.

Read: Daniel 5 and 6 - As you read in the New International Version, note 1-3 insights that arise.

Reflect: When you explore the chiastic structure of Daniel 6 the central focus on the story is deliverance. 

The best satrap and a deadly decree (6:1-9)
Arrest and sentence (6:10-18)
Deliverance (6:19-22)
Release and doom (6:23,24)
A saving decree and the best satrap (6:25-28)

Daniel is in his mid-eighties when this challenge arrives before him. It is a gentle echo to the Apostle John stranded on the island of Patmos writing the book of Revelation, who would have pondered on the writings of Daniel and taken strength from his life story. Deliverance was a theme that everyone under the Medes and Persians longed for. As the officials gather together they approach the king without Daniel and start a similar report as found in Daniel 3, including the story development:

1. The orders to worship false gods (3:1-6:1-8).
2. The faithful refuse the order (3:16-18 and 6:10-12).
3. The faithful sentenced to death (3:19-23 and 6:15-17).
4. The faithful delivered and the king repents (3:24-27 and 6:19-24).
5. The king utters a hymn of praise to God (3:28 and 6:26,27).
6. The king issues a new decree (3:29 and 6:26). 

Recalibrate: 

1. What would help you develop strength in Jesus to be resilient against all the pressures of life?
2. What is the best story you have heard or experienced about deliverance by God?

Respond: Pray for forgiveness and joy in Jesus. 

Research: Read two other famous stories of people delivered in the Bible.