Summary of my sermon, based on Daniel 6:19-24. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on October 8, 2023.
As we delve into the Book of Daniel during the Babylonian Exile, it’s essential to recognize the relevance of Daniel’s story in the context of contemporary challenges. From conflicts in Israel to the increasing hostility against the Church, the nations seem to be raging against God and His people. Today, we’ll explore the story of Daniel and learn how to navigate hostility with integrity, drawing valuable lessons for our faith journey.
The Babylonian Exile marked a significant period in Israel’s history when the Kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Babylonian Empire around 618 BC. This event ended Israel’s sovereignty for nearly 2,500 years, until its reestablishment as the State of Israel in 1948. However, Israel’s existence remains far from secure, given ongoing conflicts with groups like Hamas.
The constant attacks on Israel and the excessive number of resolutions passed against it by the United Nations beg the question: Why is Israel the target of such intense hatred? Psalm 2:1–2 suggests an answer: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed.”
The significance of Israel in God’s plan and the world’s opposition to it raise crucial questions about the relationship between the Church and Israel, with two primary viewpoints: Supersessionism and Zionism. Regardless of one’s stance, it’s evident that both the Church and Israel are perceived as representatives of the God of the Bible and face increasing hostility.
Now, let’s explore the story of Daniel, who was among the Jewish captives taken to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. His exemplary life in captivity is a testament to faith and integrity.
Daniel’s Integrity
One of the key lessons from Daniel’s life is the importance of civil obedience and disobedience. Daniel obeyed Babylonian laws as long as they didn’t conflict with his faith. Romans 13:1 emphasizes the need to submit to governing authorities, recognizing that they are instituted by God. While Daniel exemplified obedience, he also demonstrated that civil disobedience may be necessary when laws contradict God’s command.
The story reveals how high officials targeted Daniel’s faith by exploiting his spiritual disciplines, especially prayer. Spiritual disciplines, such as reading the Bible and prayer, play a pivotal role in a believer’s life. Colossians 3:16 encourages us to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly, highlighting the importance of these disciplines in maintaining our faith.
Daniel’s Character
Daniel’s character played a significant role in his positive relationship with King Darius. His integrity, kindness, and excellence made him well-liked even among his captors. This exemplifies the importance of upholding true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and excellent values, as mentioned in Philippians 4:8, within a foreign culture. Daniel’s ability to do so while standing firm in his faith serves as a remarkable example.
In Galatians 5:22–23, we find the fruit of the Spirit, which includes qualities like love, kindness, and self-control. These qualities can guide us in maintaining our integrity and acting with grace, even when facing hostility.
The story of Daniel offers valuable lessons for navigating hostility with integrity. Daniel’s life of obedience, civil disobedience, spiritual disciplines, and exceptional character serve as an inspiration for believers in the face of contemporary challenges. As the world continues to rage against God’s people, we must remember to shine as lights in a crooked and twisted generation (Philippians 2:14–15) and to remain blessed when insulted for the name of Christ (1 Peter 4:12–14).
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