Daniel Life as an Exile
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Call to Worship: Psalm 40:1-10
Reflection Questions:
Use Psalm 40 as a way to prayerfully enter your time of reflection. Read the Psalm and sit quietly for two minutes.
Read either Daniel’s interpretation of Nebachadnezzar’s dream in 2:29-45 or the interpretation of Daniel’s dream in 7:15-28. Both dreams reveal the fall of four empires and the enduring reign of God. Why is it important for believers to remember the eroding nature of earthly kingdoms and the eternal nature of God’s kingdom?
In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were tempted to compromise their faith and worship king Nebachadnezzar. What can we learn from their refusal in 3:13-18?
In what ways are believers tempted to compromise in the kingdom of the world today?
Read the prophetic vision of the one “like a son of man” in Daniel 7:13-14 and compare it to Paul’s description of what God has done for us through Jesus in Colossians 1:13-14.
Daniel lived with strength of character. In Ephesians 6:10-17 Paul describes how the believer is to “be strong in the Lord.” Take some time to consider how each piece of the armor of God is essential for serving our time without compromise.
Close in prayer by reflecting on the armor of God. We live in the aftermath of the cross where sin and death were defeated by Christ, but we still are in a fight against spiritual forces. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you answer this question: “Which piece(s) of armor have I been neglecting in the battle, and what can I do to pick it up?”
Daily Scripture Reading
Explore GodStory OurStory in the readings this week.
Jul 13 Eze 28-30, Ps 39
Jul 14 Eze 31-33, Ps 40
Jul 15 Eze 34-36, Ps 41
Jul 16 Eze 37-39, Ps 42
Jul 17 Eze 40-44, Ps 43
Jul 18 Eze 45-48, Ps 44
Jul 19 Ezra 1-3, Ps 45
Resources:
Bible Project Guide on Daniel