Series: Resilience
Message: Strength
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 18:34-45.

Read: Daniel 5 and 6 - As you re-read for the final time this week in the ESV translation, what did you discover new about God’s character?

Reflect: Conflict exists in so many areas of life. In Daniel 6 clearly the conflict is between the unchangeable laws of the Medes and Persians and the unchangeable laws of God. Currently, section II, Article 26 of the Colorado State Constitution still contains an exception for slavery as a punishment for a crime. Hence the campaign “Yes on T” to encourage this to be changed. Every country at some time in its past has made laws which seemed to make sense but were not the best and at times caused death. Daniel had incredible strength given by God to stand firm and faithful at whatever the cost. Like the early Christian church, we have always wrestled with faithfulness to God vs. faithfulness to systems (Acts 4:19). 

While the stories thus far have shown us character development in Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, and his three friends, it has also intentionally revealed a stronger picture of the character of God. Darius’s prayer at the end (Daniel 6:26-27) demonstrates praise and appreciation to God. God is the mover and shaker behind all that we see. While pain is around us in this broken world, God is nudging us privately and publicly to stay faithful to Him. That He will return. That this world will be renewed. That the universe will be healed. Deliverance is guaranteed. 

There is one verse for me that personally stands out, and I had to save it until the last comment (Daniel 6:10). “When Daniel knew…..He got down on his knees…and gave thanks before his God.”  This verse speaks volumes to me. That knowing, that sensing, that seeing your world taken from you, while in a fragile period of his life close to 85 years old, he could do no less than to give thanks to God. That is strength. That is from God only. 

Recalibrate: 

1. What is God calling you to be faithful to, in your circle, community and Church?
2. What strength can you model to your peers and community? 

Respond: Pray to embrace the value of life you have today.  

Research: Read one of the books or commentaries for this series on chapters 5 and 6. *Found in the Bibliography