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We will be concluding our sermon series in the book of Daniel with Guest preacher, Chris Tatman preaching on chapter 6.
He will share some of his own story, which includes being inside a lion's cage at a circus. While few of us have faced literal lions, we all encounter moments that test our faith. Daniel’s example in chapter 6 challenges us to:
Please join me to pray together this week: Sunday 9am till 9:15am in the Vestry. Monday 4pm in the small Hall. Tuesday 12pm – Tanya’s office.
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Daniel chapter 4 challenged us to repent of our sinful pride. Chapter 5 reminds us of what happens when we don't repent and humble ourselves.
King Belshazzar (Nebuchadnezzar’s son) was arrogant. He had inherited wealth, power, was full of sinful pride, and had no fear of God. He was so confident in his own power and the position of Babylon, that he was throwing a lavish banquet while his enemies were entering the city to attack. He thought he was untouchable. But as Proverbs reminds us “Pride goes before destruction”. When we elevate ourselves above humility, we risk missing the warning signs around us. In Belshazzar’s case, God made the situation very clear. He wrote a message on the wall in clear view of everyone at the banquet. He wrote — MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN — (Aramaic phrase meaning “numbered, numbered, weighed, divided”) This was not just a sentence of judgment; it was a final opportunity for Belshazzar to acknowledge God. Daniel was called in to interpret and told Belshazzar that his “Days are numbered, he has been found wanting, and his kingdom will end and be given to the Medes and Persians”. In our own lives, warnings may come as a conversation, a conviction in our heart, or a sudden realization. They are not meant to crush us, but to call us back before it’s too late. In Belshazzar’s case, he didn’t humble himself, and that very night, he was killed and Babylon fell. The empire that seemed unshakable was gone in an instant. This reminds us to build our lives not on temporary power, possessions, or status, but on the unshakable foundation of God’s kingdom. Daniel 5 is more than an ancient story — it’s a mirror. It asks us: Where is my pride blinding me? Am I listening to God’s warnings? Am I living with integrity? The “writing on the wall” in our lives may not be in glowing letters, but it’s there if we’re willing to see it. What is God saying to you this week? Will you humble yourself, listen and apply it to your life? Rev Tanya Have you heard the saying, 'Pride comes before a fall'?
Did you know it comes from the bible? From Proverbs 16:18 which says, 'Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.' I can imagine wise old Solomon writing about the lessons he'd learned over the course of his life, recording these wise sayings because he's seen them or experienced them first hand. Have you ever experienced a moment of being humbled? I have. I remember it quite clearly. I was in yr 12, towards the end of my final exams. I was really REALLY good at biology and it was my last exam but it was a WHOLE WEEK after my second last exam. And did this student who was very over study by this point use that final week to refresh and go over all the possible syllabus content... Why no, she did not. She rested on her laurels, content to ride the wave of her prior success in this subject. And as the saying goes, pride really did come before the fall. Now, thankfully I didn't fail the exam, but I did have a whole section I couldn't answer because it wasn't covered in class and I missed studying for it. So - I did sub-par in that one. It was indeed a humbling experience. Have you ever experienced a moment of being humbled? Did it happen right after thinking pretty highly of yourself or your efforts? Well, this week as we dig into Daniel 4, we have one last hurrah with King Nebachadnezzar, who, while certainly acknowledging the existance of Daniel's God (our God) has not yet put his faith in him alone. King Neb (as I like to call him) thinks pretty highly of himself, elevating himself to be 'god' and Daniel's God, the one true God, takes this final moment to truly humble King Neb so that he truly sees that God is God and King Neb is not. Pride comes before King Neb's fall, and he fell into a deep, dark hole for a time. I hope you can join us on Sunday to hear what happens and see if this experience was able to bring King Neb to his knees before the one true God. Amy Ive had a song from my younger years stuck in my head this week; “Fear Not, For I am with you says the Lord” – You can listen here: https://youtu.be/IvR6vrmHcJo?si=oNsJAlrEl3ID-Lkc
It reminds us that we can walk through the fiery trials in life and not be burned because God is with us. Most of us experience this spiritually speaking at some time in our lives. In this week’s reading we hear about three men who experience it physically. The Story in Brief In Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar commands everyone to bow before a massive golden statue. Three young men — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — refuse. Their loyalty to the one true God is unshakable. The king’s fury leads to a furnace heated seven times hotter than normal. But when the men are thrown in, the impossible happens: they are unharmed, and a fourth figure — unmistakably divine — walks with them. Even the king is forced to acknowledge the power of their God. Daniel chapter 3 is more than a story from long ago — it’s a rallying cry for every believer to stand strong, stay true, and trust God no matter the cost. These men didn’t waver, even when their lives were on the line. We too are encouraged to stand tall and stay true to our faith in God no matter the pressure. And Remember Who’s in the Fire With You. God will never leave you and You are never fighting alone. Let this modern song remind you also of these truths (Hillsong – there was another in the fire). Another in the Fire (Lyrics Video) - Hillsong UNITED - Worship Sing-along Your “furnace” might be a workplace challenge, a personal struggle, or a moment when doing the right thing feels risky. Daniel 3 calls you to hold your ground, knowing that God’s presence is your greatest strength. As a church family, let’s be people who rise to the challenge, who encourage one another to keep going, and who believe that every trial is an opportunity for God’s power to be seen. May God give us the boldness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and help us to live in a way that points others to His greatness. Blessings on your week. Rev Tanya "When the way is hidden, God’s wisdom lights the path."
When we don’t know the way forward, that is the best time to pray. Chapter 2 of the book of Daniel reminds us of this. When King Nebuchadnezzar demanded his wise men tell him both his dream and its meaning, everyone panicked — except Daniel. Instead of giving in to fear, Daniel gathered his friends and prayed, trusting that God could reveal what no human mind could know. That night, God gave Daniel the answer. The dream showed that earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but God’s kingdom will stand forever. Daniel’s courage and faith not only saved lives but also led a powerful king to acknowledge the greatness of God. So, remember, when life presents you with an impossible challenge, turn to God in prayer. The God who revealed mysteries to Daniel is the same God who guides us today. Pray first, trust deeply, and watch Him work. During the Clergy Conference recently the archbishop reminded us that prayer is the work we must prioritise. We, as disciples of Jesus, are called to pray to the God of the Harvest for more workers for the Harvest field. So, corporately we are praying for musicians, a treasurer, for youth group leaders, and for God’s renewed vision for our Church so we can move forward in the ways he wants us to grow. Will you come along and pray with me this coming week? Pre-service prayer on Sunday 9am – 9:15am in the Vestry. Monday evening 7 – 8 pm in the Small Hall. Wednesday Morning 9:45-10:15am in the Historic Church. When we are unsure of the way forward for our individual lives and for the future of our Church we need to turn to God and pray! Pray with others and seek God’s wisdom like Daniel did. God knows the way and he makes a way where there is no other way. He’s a “way maker, miracle worker” as this great song reminds us. You can listen here: https://youtu.be/liIhBsHI1tY?si=AlxqaSSRaFnzE0Ur Every blessing, Rev Tanya Cummings |
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