2022-11-21 Models of Faith

 2022-11-21 - Daniel 2:1-23; Revelation 18:1-24

In the name of the Father, +Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

As more and more residents of Judea and Jerusalem are forced into the long 1700 mile march into exile in Babylon, the prophet Jeremiah wrote a letter to the exiles.  Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Jeremiah assured the exiles that their exile would not last longer than two generations.  In the meantime, they should carry on with their lives: marry, have children, build homes, and above all, when possible, seek the welfare of the city.  Jeremiah 29:7 “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” 

Daniel and his friends were exiled to Babylon in 605 BC.  Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were selected to serve in the court of Nebechadnezzar.  These young boys, soon to become men, resolved to remain faithful to the LORD God while they followed Jeremiah’s directive.  They flourished in their education and their service to Babylon and its leaders.  As they rose to positions of power and developed enemies, their commitment to the LORD never waned even when it appeared to be the easiest and most expedient thing to do. When Persia conquered Babylon in 539, Daniel was again given a position of power.  He remained faithful to God in both of these hostile environments. 

I think Daniel and his friends can be models of faith for us as we live in an America that can be hostile to those who hold to Christian truth and traditional Christian values. By Christian values I mean insisting that marriage is between one man and one woman, that children are a blessing from God to be cherished, that all human life from pregnancy to old age is precious and sacred, that worship of the One True God is essential to our well-being, that people’s relationships, reputations, and property are to be respected and protected. These are a just a few things that come to mind when I think of Christian values. 

In the midst of hostility to their faith commitments, Daniel and his friends found ways to remain faithful to God.  We can too.

I find it interesting that the very first challenge that presented itself was food.  In generosity, the king wanted these young people to eat as he ate.  I am convinced that King Nebuchadnezzar had the best of intentions.  His young court-in-training ought to be healthy and strong; therefore eat as the King eats. The problem though is the meat.  The meat will include animals that their religion forbids them to eat. This would including pork, pigs. Even more troublesome is the fact that much of the meat would have it’s origin as a sacrifice to a god. By implication, Daniel and friends would be engaged in idolatry by eating this meat.  So, fruits, vegetables, and nuts were the faithful choice for them. 

Then, there is the issue of the wine.  Nothing wrong with wine, but there is when it is a substitute for water.  Water is essential. Wine is for celebrations.  Wine also leads to drunkenness. And if anyone needed to remain sober and clear thinking at all times, it was the exiles. 

In making this stand, they could easily have offended the generosity of the King. Refusing the generosity of the King and thereby giving offense is not a prescription for a long productive life.  

But then, as now, living a life according to faith carries risks.  Better to starve or die for being faithful than to compromise and lose faith by gaining a so called life. Jesus says it this way: If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever would save his life would lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.  For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? (Mark 8:34-36)

In today’s reading, we see Daniel and friends stepping forward to seek the welfare of the city.  The King is troubled by his dreams.  He is frustrated and angry that the wise counselors around him only want to tell him what he wants to hear. He issues a death sentence upon his counselors. 

We are instructed by Daniel’s reaction.  First, return to the community of faith which are his three exiled companions. Second, together, pray.  But, pray seeking God’s mercy.  For out of God’s mercy, miracles and insights come. Third, Daniel acted on behalf of all the counselors, not just himself and his three friends. No one needs to die because they have neither the resources, nor the faith, necessary to trust in God’s mercy. Fourth, when Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was revealed as well as it’s meaning, Daniel responds with a prayer of thanksgiving.  In mercy, the grace of wisdom is given.  In response to God’s grace, thanksgiving is offered.  

Daniel is instructive to us for several reasons. We understand that our Christian walk is not solitary. We walk with fellow congregants.  When we have things we need to pray about, we turn to one another for support.  When we pray, we approach the LORD knowing that we are awash in God’s mercy.  Jesus has died for us on the cross. We have received the promise of God’s kingdom and God’s forgiveness in Holy Baptism.  We encounter God’s mercy every time we worship. It is true, that God does reveal his mysteries to those who want to hear him. God does lead and guide us. God’s will is done. In response to God’s generosity, we offer our own prayers of thanksgiving.

Tonight, in the course of our call meeting, we will pray, deliberate, and step forward in faith. We will trust in God’s faithfulness as we walk in faith.    

In the name of the Father, +Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.