His Kingdom Will Never End

Sermon Theme: Giving God the glory that He is due leads us to an abiding sense of hope. But this demands that we honor God above all else – God must be the One we trust in most.

Reading Theme: We will read from the books of Daniel and Hosea, finding that God is sovereign over both our present and our futures. We have hope in Him, because He secures an eternity of peace for His people.

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Daniel 6:19-27

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You will find the Sermon Notes for today’s message here.

REFLECTION

An Exile Keeps His Faith

by Elaine Pierce

Daniel was chosen to serve King Nebuchadnezzar when he was a young man. He was part of an elite corps of talented young men "without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand the language and literature of the Babylonians." (Daniel 1:4). Even though Daniel was in exile, far from Judah, which had been conquered, he held fast to his faith in the one true God. God blessed him, and he became a valued aide to several kings.

But jealousy reared its ugly head, as it often does, and the 'satraps' concocted a plan to get rid of Daniel. You'll find their evil plan outlined in the first part of Daniel 6. King Darius signed their wicked proclamation; Daniel refused to worship anyone other than Jehovah God; the satraps confronted Darius with Daniel's 'sin' and demanded that he be thrown into the lion's den.  

Darius was distraught. He didn't want Daniel to die; he had become an indispensable aide. But he couldn't lose face in front of the scheming satraps. He spent a restless night, tossing and turning, fearful that Daniel would be dead in the morning.

You know the story, of course, how God protected Daniel in the lion's den. This is often a beloved children's bible story, but we don't teach children verse 24, do we, where Darius throws the satraps and their families into the lion's den, and, "before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones." The Bible does not mince words.  Evil is punished.

This Sunday is the start of advent. The time of watching, waiting and wonder as we prepare for Christmas. Today's scripture reminds us that God is faithful. King Darius was not a Jew, but he came face to face with God's power and he believed.  His words of praise ring true:

"For he is the living God, and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.  He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders n the heavens and on the earth.  He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions."  

Thank you, Lord, for your signs and wonders, in the heavens and on the earth.  This advent season will be different. We long to be together, and to be rid of the fear of COVID-19. Help us to patiently wait and trust in your timing. You sent your angel to care for Daniel in the lion's den, and we can call on your Holy Spirit in our time of need.  Amen

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER

SUNDAY - PEACE - Blessed are the Shalom-makers, for they shall be called the children of God. We confess that we have all sinned and fallen short of your glory, O God. We have broken the peace and wholeness of your good world. Forgive us, lead us, and restore us. Reform us into peacemakers instead of peace-breakers.