This week we’re back to the book of Daniel (some of you may remember me preaching through this book in 2009).  In our series on “Misused Stories of the Bible” we’ve jumped way ahead canonically (it’s a long way from 1st Kings to Daniel) but just a little bit chronologically (we’re still in the time of the exile).

We’ll be in Daniel 6 and the famous story of “Daniel and the Lion’s Den.”  This is another one of the more famous stories of the Bible.  Almost everyone knows something of this story and it’s moral to be courageous like Daniel (he actually was courageous).  Sometimes it’s about the great faith of Daniel (and he did have great faith).  And sometimes it’s about the disciplined prayers of Daniel (and he did have a disciplined prayer life).  So why are these so bad?  Because, while none of those things are bad in and of themselves (I mean, who’s against courage, faith, and prayer?), this passage is not about how we should emulate Daniel.  Rather it’s about the God who instills courage, grants faith, and answers prayer. 

I also think this a timely message in a tumultuous political season.  We need to hear this.  While we live in and love various earthly kingdoms, we do so best when we love them in light of our eternal King and His eternal kingdom.  Human history will be characterized by the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms, but Daniel teaches us that there is one King who rules over them all, and His kingdom is forever.  And that’s good news for God’s people in a world that continually offers lesser kings and kingdoms.  I look forward to hearing what you think about “Daniel and the Lion’s Den.”  See you Sunday, Dr. Dave

P.S. – Don’t forget about our baby bottle campaign!  We’ll have the baby bottles in a bin on the table as you enter the building, so please take one and fill it with your pocket change.  Return the bottles to the church by the Fall Festival on Sunday, Nov. 1st and the proceeds will go to support the Mosaic Pregnancy Care Center!