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In this sermon, we continue an in-depth review of The Daniel Manual for living and ministering in a diverse, quickly changing society. Big Idea: We find ourselves in a changing, increasingly secular culture that demands our attention and our absolute allegiance. And we can sense the winds of local and even global change as technology develops at breakneck speed, disease impacts our lives, and old divisions and conflict around the world threaten our sense of peace. So, what should we do? How should we live in such secular and uncertain times? Well, let’s learn from Daniel, an Old Testament prophet and statesmen who prayed for and provided wisdom to at least four kings in two competing and diverse empires and pointed them to the one, true and eternal king. Here’s the Daniel Manuel for living in such a time as this.
In Chapter 5, the genre changes from history to horror as King Belshazzar throws a drunken party, drinks from a vessel from the Jewish temple, and sees a dismembered hand spell doom over his empire. This story has a rich historical and geopolitical background including the dynastic struggle that followed Nebuchadnezzar’s death, the rise of the Persian empire, and the fall of Babylon. But its most important lessons touch on God’s judgment, the king’s pride, and Daniel’s faithfulness up to the very last day of the empire that made him an exile.
Outline:
1. A Cup of Wrath
2. Terrible Handwriting
3. Judgment Day
Key Takeaways:
– The kings that ruled Babylon between Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar and how Daniel and his friends fared during that period.
– The archaeological evidence for King Belshazzar (long questioned by historians).
– The possible identity of the queen in this passage.
– The principle of God’s judgment on nations and individuals.
– Possible scenarios on why Babylon fell so quickly.
– What happened when Bel(te)shazzar met Belshazzar, and the fact that Daniel served God from his youth to old age.
– The connection between this passage and the gospel.