Back to (Sunday) School: Daniel + The Lion's Den | Rev. Seann Duffin

God of all grace, thank you for yet God of all grace, thank you for yet another opportunity to engage your holy another opportunity to engage your holy another opportunity to engage your holy word and to learn from you and about word and to learn from you and about word and to learn from you and about you. So God, by the power of your Holy you. So God, by the power of your Holy you. So God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, move among us now to open us up. Spirit, move among us now to open us up. Spirit, move among us now to open us up. Open our ears and our eyes, our hearts Open our ears and our eyes, our hearts Open our ears and our eyes, our hearts and our minds so that we might hear what and our minds so that we might hear what and our minds so that we might hear what you have to say. And God, may the words you have to say. And God, may the words you have to say. And God, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of all of of my mouth and the thoughts of all of of my mouth and the thoughts of all of our hearts be acceptable and pleasing to our hearts be acceptable and pleasing to our hearts be acceptable and pleasing to you. For you are our rock and our you. For you are our rock and our you. For you are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. Please be seated. redeemer. Amen. Please be seated. redeemer. Amen. Please be seated. It is back to school time in our It is back to school time in our It is back to school time in our community. Most schools are back in community. Most schools are back in community. Most schools are back in session. Many college students have gone session. Many college students have gone session. Many college students have gone off or gone back to their various off or gone back to their various off or gone back to their various places. In our family, on the first day places. In our family, on the first day places. In our family, on the first day of school, we were walking with our of school, we were walking with our of school, we were walking with our daughter to school. Uh, and she was daughter to school. Uh, and she was daughter to school. Uh, and she was muttering something under her breath the muttering something under her breath the muttering something under her breath the whole way along, and I couldn't quite whole way along, and I couldn't quite whole way along, and I couldn't quite make it out at first, but then I inched make it out at first, but then I inched make it out at first, but then I inched a little closer to listen to her, and a little closer to listen to her, and a little closer to listen to her, and she said over and over and over and she said over and over and over and she said over and over and over and over, over, over, "Summer's over.

I wish summer wasn't over. And I felt I wish summer wasn't over. And I felt the same way. I wish summer wasn't over the same way. I wish summer wasn't over the same way. I wish summer wasn't over either. E either. I love summer. It's a either. E either. I love summer. It's a either. E either. I love summer. It's a break from the routine. It's a uh a break from the routine. It's a uh a break from the routine. It's a uh a chance to travel a little bit, maybe chance to travel a little bit, maybe chance to travel a little bit, maybe sleep in sometimes. We had several weeks sleep in sometimes. We had several weeks sleep in sometimes. We had several weeks in a row with no soccer and no softball. in a row with no soccer and no softball. in a row with no soccer and no softball. It was great. It was great. It was great. But back to school time is good, too, But back to school time is good, too, But back to school time is good, too, because even if our school days are well because even if our school days are well because even if our school days are well behind us, this is a time with a behind us, this is a time with a behind us, this is a time with a built-in new beginning. an opportunity built-in new beginning. an opportunity built-in new beginning. an opportunity to reset our routines, to reassess our to reset our routines, to reassess our to reset our routines, to reassess our priorities, to recommmit to the things priorities, to recommmit to the things priorities, to recommmit to the things that matter. And the way we're doing that matter. And the way we're doing that matter. And the way we're doing that here at MDMC this fall is going that here at MDMC this fall is going that here at MDMC this fall is going back to Sunday school, digging into some back to Sunday school, digging into some back to Sunday school, digging into some very familiar Bible stories to see them very familiar Bible stories to see them very familiar Bible stories to see them and to hear them with fresh eyes and and to hear them with fresh eyes and and to hear them with fresh eyes and ears today. So far, we've talked about ears today. So far, we've talked about ears today. So far, we've talked about Noah's Ark, and we've talked about David Noah's Ark, and we've talked about David Noah's Ark, and we've talked about David and Goliath. Today, we're talking about and Goliath. Today, we're talking about and Goliath. Today, we're talking about Daniel and the Lion's Den. These are Daniel and the Lion's Den. These are Daniel and the Lion's Den. These are stories I remember learning as a kid. stories I remember learning as a kid. stories I remember learning as a kid. And these are stories that the church And these are stories that the church And these are stories that the church keeps on teaching kids generation after keeps on teaching kids generation after keeps on teaching kids generation after generation. And and in part it's because generation. And and in part it's because generation. And and in part it's because they have cute, memorable characters.

they have cute, memorable characters. they have cute, memorable characters. But mostly we teach these stories But mostly we teach these stories But mostly we teach these stories because they have clear messages about because they have clear messages about because they have clear messages about God. Messages about who God is and how God. Messages about who God is and how God. Messages about who God is and how God loves and what God wants for us. So God loves and what God wants for us. So God loves and what God wants for us. So today is the story of Daniel and the today is the story of Daniel and the today is the story of Daniel and the lion's den. And if you're not familiar lion's den. And if you're not familiar lion's den. And if you're not familiar with it, it's exactly what it sounds with it, it's exactly what it sounds with it, it's exactly what it sounds like. A man named Daniel gets thrown like. A man named Daniel gets thrown like. A man named Daniel gets thrown into a den full of lions. And the king into a den full of lions. And the king into a den full of lions. And the king whom Daniel worked for kept this pit of whom Daniel worked for kept this pit of whom Daniel worked for kept this pit of lions at the ready as a potential lions at the ready as a potential lions at the ready as a potential punishment for anyone who might disobey punishment for anyone who might disobey punishment for anyone who might disobey the king. Now, it's a terrifying the king. Now, it's a terrifying the king. Now, it's a terrifying punishment, and it makes me wonder why punishment, and it makes me wonder why punishment, and it makes me wonder why we teach this story to kids, a subset of we teach this story to kids, a subset of we teach this story to kids, a subset of the population that often disobys. the population that often disobys. the population that often disobys. Regardless, let's take a step back, get Regardless, let's take a step back, get Regardless, let's take a step back, get to know Daniel a little bit, and how it to know Daniel a little bit, and how it to know Daniel a little bit, and how it is that he ends up in this lion's den. is that he ends up in this lion's den. is that he ends up in this lion's den. So, Daniel's the main character of in So, Daniel's the main character of in So, Daniel's the main character of in the Old Testament book of Daniel. He's the Old Testament book of Daniel. He's the Old Testament book of Daniel. He's what we call a prophet, somebody who what we call a prophet, somebody who what we call a prophet, somebody who speaks on behalf of God to God's people.

speaks on behalf of God to God's people. speaks on behalf of God to God's people. We talked about minor prophets this We talked about minor prophets this We talked about minor prophets this summer here in worship. Daniel is a summer here in worship. Daniel is a summer here in worship. Daniel is a major prophet. And the book that's named major prophet. And the book that's named major prophet. And the book that's named after him really has two separate after him really has two separate after him really has two separate sections. The first half of the book sections. The first half of the book sections. The first half of the book tells some stories of Daniel and his tells some stories of Daniel and his tells some stories of Daniel and his friends. Shadrach, Meshach, and friends. Shadrach, Meshach, and friends. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Maybe those are names you Abednego. Maybe those are names you Abednego. Maybe those are names you know. They had an adventure in a fiery know. They had an adventure in a fiery know. They had an adventure in a fiery furnace. This first half of the book has furnace. This first half of the book has furnace. This first half of the book has the story of Daniel and the lion's den. the story of Daniel and the lion's den. the story of Daniel and the lion's den. They are stories of faith under They are stories of faith under They are stories of faith under pressure. Daniel and his friends get put pressure. Daniel and his friends get put pressure. Daniel and his friends get put in some very tough situations. And in in some very tough situations. And in in some very tough situations. And in those very tough situations, they not those very tough situations, they not those very tough situations, they not only think but act in a way that only think but act in a way that only think but act in a way that demonstrates their trust, their faith in demonstrates their trust, their faith in demonstrates their trust, their faith in God. The second half of the book is God. The second half of the book is God. The second half of the book is different. It it shifts from these different. It it shifts from these different. It it shifts from these narrative stories to what we call narrative stories to what we call narrative stories to what we call apocalyptic literature. As you read it, apocalyptic literature. As you read it, apocalyptic literature. As you read it, it feels like you're reading the book of it feels like you're reading the book of it feels like you're reading the book of Revelation. It's got all this wild Revelation. It's got all this wild Revelation. It's got all this wild imagery and terrifying beasts and imagery and terrifying beasts and imagery and terrifying beasts and prophecies about the ultimate outcome of prophecies about the ultimate outcome of prophecies about the ultimate outcome of the universe. But if you were to boil it the universe. But if you were to boil it the universe. But if you were to boil it down, the message of the whole book of down, the message of the whole book of down, the message of the whole book of Daniel is pretty simple. God is in Daniel is pretty simple. God is in Daniel is pretty simple. God is in control.

control. control. Despite any appearance to the contrary, Despite any appearance to the contrary, Despite any appearance to the contrary, God is in control. Not only of the fate God is in control. Not only of the fate God is in control. Not only of the fate of God's people, but of all people and of God's people, but of all people and of God's people, but of all people and all of history and all creation. That all of history and all creation. That all of history and all creation. That truth orients Daniel's whole life. His truth orients Daniel's whole life. His truth orients Daniel's whole life. His faith in God shapes the way that he faith in God shapes the way that he faith in God shapes the way that he shows up in the world. And in Daniel shows up in the world. And in Daniel shows up in the world. And in Daniel chapter 6, the part of the story that chapter 6, the part of the story that chapter 6, the part of the story that we'll read today, Daniel has become we'll read today, Daniel has become we'll read today, Daniel has become essentially the top adviser to the king, essentially the top adviser to the king, essentially the top adviser to the king, King Darius. He's among the smartest, King Darius. He's among the smartest, King Darius. He's among the smartest, most successful people in the whole most successful people in the whole most successful people in the whole kingdom. And the other smart, successful kingdom. And the other smart, successful kingdom. And the other smart, successful people are kind of annoyed, envious of people are kind of annoyed, envious of people are kind of annoyed, envious of his success, jealous of his favored his success, jealous of his favored his success, jealous of his favored status in the king's court. So they make status in the king's court. So they make status in the king's court. So they make a plan to get rid of him. They cajul the a plan to get rid of him. They cajul the a plan to get rid of him. They cajul the king into making this very strange, very king into making this very strange, very king into making this very strange, very specific proclamation. specific proclamation. specific proclamation. For 30 days, the king declares, "No one For 30 days, the king declares, "No one For 30 days, the king declares, "No one can pray to anyone except the king."

can pray to anyone except the king." can pray to anyone except the king." Daniel, you won't be surprised, refuses Daniel, you won't be surprised, refuses Daniel, you won't be surprised, refuses to abide by this order. He prays to God to abide by this order. He prays to God to abide by this order. He prays to God every day, three times a day. He won't every day, three times a day. He won't every day, three times a day. He won't put his devotion to the king above his put his devotion to the king above his put his devotion to the king above his devotion to God. So Daniel keeps on devotion to God. So Daniel keeps on devotion to God. So Daniel keeps on praying despite the king's decree. And praying despite the king's decree. And praying despite the king's decree. And whether Daniel intends to be discreet whether Daniel intends to be discreet whether Daniel intends to be discreet about his daily prayer practice is about his daily prayer practice is about his daily prayer practice is something that scholars still debate. something that scholars still debate. something that scholars still debate. But either way, he gets found out. And But either way, he gets found out. And But either way, he gets found out. And the folks who'd been conspiring against the folks who'd been conspiring against the folks who'd been conspiring against him take their discovery to the king. Oh him take their discovery to the king. Oh him take their discovery to the king. Oh king, they say, Daniel has been found king, they say, Daniel has been found king, they say, Daniel has been found praying to his God, a direct violation praying to his God, a direct violation praying to his God, a direct violation of your decree. And the king calls of your decree. And the king calls of your decree. And the king calls Daniel in. Daniel, is it true? Well, yes Daniel in. Daniel, is it true? Well, yes Daniel in. Daniel, is it true? Well, yes indeed, King, I pray to my God three indeed, King, I pray to my God three indeed, King, I pray to my God three times every day. And the conspirators times every day. And the conspirators times every day. And the conspirators know they've won. Oh, king, you know know they've won. Oh, king, you know know they've won. Oh, king, you know what you've got to do now. We know you what you've got to do now. We know you what you've got to do now. We know you love David. We love David, too. But love David. We love David, too. But love David. We love David, too. But you've got to make an example of him. If you've got to make an example of him. If you've got to make an example of him. If you don't, what will the people think? you don't, what will the people think? you don't, what will the people think? They'll start to think they don't have They'll start to think they don't have They'll start to think they don't have to obey you either. And pretty soon, the to obey you either. And pretty soon, the to obey you either. And pretty soon, the whole kingdom will be doing whatever whole kingdom will be doing whatever whole kingdom will be doing whatever they want. And though he's reluctant, they want. And though he's reluctant, they want. And though he's reluctant, the king ultimately agrees. And that the king ultimately agrees. And that the king ultimately agrees. And that brings us to our scripture reading for brings us to our scripture reading for brings us to our scripture reading for today. It's Daniel chapter 6. We'll today. It's Daniel chapter 6. We'll today. It's Daniel chapter 6. We'll start in verse 16.

start in verse 16. start in verse 16. Then the king gave the command and Then the king gave the command and Then the king gave the command and Daniel was brought and thrown into the Daniel was brought and thrown into the Daniel was brought and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, den of lions. The king said to Daniel, den of lions. The king said to Daniel, "May your God whom you faithfully serve "May your God whom you faithfully serve "May your God whom you faithfully serve deliver you." A stone was brought and deliver you." A stone was brought and deliver you." A stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the of the den. And laid on the mouth of the of the den. And laid on the mouth of the of the den. And the king sealed it with his own signate the king sealed it with his own signate the king sealed it with his own signate and with the signate of his lords, so and with the signate of his lords, so and with the signate of his lords, so that nothing might be changed concerning that nothing might be changed concerning that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. Then the king went to his palace Daniel. Then the king went to his palace Daniel. Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting. No food was and spent the night fasting. No food was and spent the night fasting. No food was brought to him and sleep fled from him. brought to him and sleep fled from him. brought to him and sleep fled from him. Then at the break of day, the king got Then at the break of day, the king got Then at the break of day, the king got up and hurried to the den of lions. When up and hurried to the den of lions. When up and hurried to the den of lions. When he came near the den where Daniel was, he came near the den where Daniel was, he came near the den where Daniel was, he cried out anxiously to Daniel, he cried out anxiously to Daniel, he cried out anxiously to Daniel, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has "Daniel, servant of the living God, has "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you faithfully serve, your God, whom you faithfully serve, your God, whom you faithfully serve, been able to deliver you from the been able to deliver you from the been able to deliver you from the lions?" And Daniel then said to the lions?" And Daniel then said to the lions?" And Daniel then said to the king, "Oh king, live forever. My God king, "Oh king, live forever. My God king, "Oh king, live forever. My God sent his angel and shut the lion's sent his angel and shut the lion's sent his angel and shut the lion's mouths so that they would not hurt me mouths so that they would not hurt me mouths so that they would not hurt me because I was found blameless before him because I was found blameless before him because I was found blameless before him and also before you, oh king, I have and also before you, oh king, I have and also before you, oh king, I have done no wrong." Then the king was done no wrong." Then the king was done no wrong." Then the king was exceedingly glad and commanded that exceedingly glad and commanded that exceedingly glad and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den." So Daniel be taken up out of the den." So Daniel be taken up out of the den." So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and Daniel was taken up out of the den, and Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him because no kind of harm was found on him because no kind of harm was found on him because he had trusted in his God. The king gave he had trusted in his God. The king gave he had trusted in his God. The king gave a command and those who had accused a command and those who had accused a command and those who had accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the Daniel were brought and thrown into the Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions. They, their children, and den of lions. They, their children, and den of lions. They, their children, and their wives. Before they reached the their wives. Before they reached the their wives. Before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered bottom of the den, the lions overpowered bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in them and broke all their bones in them and broke all their bones in pieces. Then King Darius wrote to all

pieces. Then King Darius wrote to all pieces. Then King Darius wrote to all peoples and nations of every language peoples and nations of every language peoples and nations of every language throughout the whole world. May you have throughout the whole world. May you have throughout the whole world. May you have abundant prosperity. I make a decree abundant prosperity. I make a decree abundant prosperity. I make a decree that in all my royal dominion, people that in all my royal dominion, people that in all my royal dominion, people should tremble and fear before the God should tremble and fear before the God should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, of Daniel. For he is the living God, of Daniel. For he is the living God, enduring forever. His kingdom shall enduring forever. His kingdom shall enduring forever. His kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion has never be destroyed, and his dominion has never be destroyed, and his dominion has no end. He delivers and rescues. He no end. He delivers and rescues. He no end. He delivers and rescues. He works signs and wonders in heaven and on works signs and wonders in heaven and on works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, for he has saved Daniel from the earth, for he has saved Daniel from the earth, for he has saved Daniel from the power of the lions. This is the word of power of the lions. This is the word of power of the lions. This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God for the people of God. Thanks be to God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. We don't usually tell the whole God. We don't usually tell the whole God. We don't usually tell the whole story when we teach it to kids. It turns story when we teach it to kids. It turns story when we teach it to kids. It turns out well for Daniel, sure, but not so out well for Daniel, sure, but not so out well for Daniel, sure, but not so much for his accusers in the end. much for his accusers in the end. much for his accusers in the end. Nevertheless, we want everyone to know Nevertheless, we want everyone to know Nevertheless, we want everyone to know the story of Daniel and the lion's den the story of Daniel and the lion's den the story of Daniel and the lion's den because even if it has some sticky parts because even if it has some sticky parts because even if it has some sticky parts to it, it also has a clear message about to it, it also has a clear message about to it, it also has a clear message about who God is and how God loves and what who God is and how God loves and what who God is and how God loves and what God wants for us. Remember, this is why God wants for us. Remember, this is why God wants for us. Remember, this is why we teach all of these Bible stories in we teach all of these Bible stories in we teach all of these Bible stories in Sunday school because they show us who Sunday school because they show us who Sunday school because they show us who God is and how God loves and what God God is and how God loves and what God God is and how God loves and what God wants for us.

wants for us. wants for us. So, what does this story tell us about So, what does this story tell us about So, what does this story tell us about who God is? The simplest way to say it who God is? The simplest way to say it who God is? The simplest way to say it is this. God is a rescuer. is this. God is a rescuer. is this. God is a rescuer. It's a truth we see illustrated It's a truth we see illustrated It's a truth we see illustrated throughout the whole Bible. Noah, the throughout the whole Bible. Noah, the throughout the whole Bible. Noah, the earth is filled with violence. And God earth is filled with violence. And God earth is filled with violence. And God rescues a remnant through the ark. Moses rescues a remnant through the ark. Moses rescues a remnant through the ark. Moses condemned as an infant because of a condemned as an infant because of a condemned as an infant because of a strange and specific decree from the strange and specific decree from the strange and specific decree from the king is rescued from a basket in the king is rescued from a basket in the king is rescued from a basket in the river. Israel enslaved in Egypt rescued river. Israel enslaved in Egypt rescued river. Israel enslaved in Egypt rescued by way of the Red Sea. All humanity, by way of the Red Sea. All humanity, by way of the Red Sea. All humanity, every one of us stuck in sin but rescued every one of us stuck in sin but rescued every one of us stuck in sin but rescued through the life, death, and through the life, death, and through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. God is a rescuer. resurrection of Jesus. God is a rescuer. resurrection of Jesus. God is a rescuer. In the book of Daniel, it tells stories In the book of Daniel, it tells stories In the book of Daniel, it tells stories from the exile. This was the time in from the exile. This was the time in from the exile. This was the time in Israel's history when they had been Israel's history when they had been Israel's history when they had been forcibly removed from their homeland and forcibly removed from their homeland and forcibly removed from their homeland and imprisoned in a faraway foreign land. imprisoned in a faraway foreign land. imprisoned in a faraway foreign land. But the book of Daniel is not written But the book of Daniel is not written But the book of Daniel is not written during the exile. It's written during the exile. It's written during the exile. It's written generations later. The people are back generations later. The people are back generations later. The people are back in the land. The temples rebuilt, but in the land. The temples rebuilt, but in the land. The temples rebuilt, but all is not well. You see, they've been all is not well. You see, they've been all is not well. You see, they've been conquered again. And this time the conquered again. And this time the conquered again. And this time the invading regime is the most violent one invading regime is the most violent one invading regime is the most violent one yet. So you can imagine why the book of yet. So you can imagine why the book of yet. So you can imagine why the book of Daniel was written. Stories of God Daniel was written. Stories of God Daniel was written. Stories of God rescuing Daniel generations ago from rescuing Daniel generations ago from rescuing Daniel generations ago from difficult and dangerous circumstances difficult and dangerous circumstances difficult and dangerous circumstances would be encouraging to people who right

would be encouraging to people who right would be encouraging to people who right now were facing difficult and dangerous now were facing difficult and dangerous now were facing difficult and dangerous circumstances. Who is God? They want to circumstances. Who is God? They want to circumstances. Who is God? They want to know. God is a rescuer. know. God is a rescuer. know. God is a rescuer. And how does God love? And how does God love? And how does God love? God loves face to face. Daniel says that God loves face to face. Daniel says that God loves face to face. Daniel says that God sent an angel to shut the lion's God sent an angel to shut the lion's God sent an angel to shut the lion's mouth. And this is a helpful image, an mouth. And this is a helpful image, an mouth. And this is a helpful image, an angel descending. But the point is not angel descending. But the point is not angel descending. But the point is not that God's love is known through that God's love is known through that God's love is known through mystical heavenly beings. The point is mystical heavenly beings. The point is mystical heavenly beings. The point is that God doesn't love from up there far that God doesn't love from up there far that God doesn't love from up there far away somewhere. God comes down to us. away somewhere. God comes down to us. away somewhere. God comes down to us. This is the story of Jesus. Jesus came This is the story of Jesus. Jesus came This is the story of Jesus. Jesus came into the world so that we could see God into the world so that we could see God into the world so that we could see God face to face. So that we could see that face to face. So that we could see that face to face. So that we could see that God's love is real. And this is the God's love is real. And this is the God's love is real. And this is the exact work that God has given to the exact work that God has given to the exact work that God has given to the church to make God's love real face to church to make God's love real face to church to make God's love real face to face with others. In the book of Acts, face with others. In the book of Acts, face with others. In the book of Acts, the story of the early church, Peter and the story of the early church, Peter and the story of the early church, Peter and John, two apostles, meet a man who can't John, two apostles, meet a man who can't John, two apostles, meet a man who can't walk. And they look at him face to face.

walk. And they look at him face to face. walk. And they look at him face to face. And it says they took him by the right And it says they took him by the right And it says they took him by the right hand and raised him up and immediately hand and raised him up and immediately hand and raised him up and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. his feet and ankles were made strong. his feet and ankles were made strong. They healed him, which is another way of They healed him, which is another way of They healed him, which is another way of saying they rescued him. They rescued saying they rescued him. They rescued saying they rescued him. They rescued him from the indignity of begging for him from the indignity of begging for him from the indignity of begging for the necessities of life. They rescued the necessities of life. They rescued the necessities of life. They rescued him from the lonely, isolated existence him from the lonely, isolated existence him from the lonely, isolated existence of one who's been marginalized and of one who's been marginalized and of one who's been marginalized and forgotten. forgotten. forgotten. One of my favorite movies is called The One of my favorite movies is called The One of my favorite movies is called The Princess Bride. It's a delightful story Princess Bride. It's a delightful story Princess Bride. It's a delightful story and one piece of the story is that and one piece of the story is that and one piece of the story is that there's an evil prince. Prince there's an evil prince. Prince there's an evil prince. Prince Humperdink is his name. And Prince Humperdink is his name. And Prince Humperdink is his name. And Prince Humpdink keeps a secret underground Humpdink keeps a secret underground Humpdink keeps a secret underground dungeon where he tortures his captured dungeon where he tortures his captured dungeon where he tortures his captured enemies. It's not a lion's den exactly, enemies. It's not a lion's den exactly, enemies. It's not a lion's den exactly, but it is called the pit of despair. but it is called the pit of despair. but it is called the pit of despair. And to one of the prisoners, the keeper And to one of the prisoners, the keeper And to one of the prisoners, the keeper of the pit says, "Don't even think about of the pit says, "Don't even think about of the pit says, "Don't even think about trying to escape. The chains are far too trying to escape. The chains are far too trying to escape. The chains are far too thick. And don't dream of being rescued thick. And don't dream of being rescued thick. And don't dream of being rescued either. There's only one way in, and either. There's only one way in, and either. There's only one way in, and it's secret.

it's secret. it's secret. If you pay much attention to this world If you pay much attention to this world If you pay much attention to this world we live in, it's easy to imagine that we live in, it's easy to imagine that we live in, it's easy to imagine that there are many people today who might there are many people today who might there are many people today who might feel like they are living in a pit of feel like they are living in a pit of feel like they are living in a pit of despair. despair. despair. Just about every day I hear another Just about every day I hear another Just about every day I hear another story of someone who's made a home in story of someone who's made a home in story of someone who's made a home in this country for 10 years or 20 years or this country for 10 years or 20 years or this country for 10 years or 20 years or 50 years and and they've lived a solid 50 years and and they've lived a solid 50 years and and they've lived a solid life and they've raised kids and they've life and they've raised kids and they've life and they've raised kids and they've paid taxes, but because of a traffic paid taxes, but because of a traffic paid taxes, but because of a traffic stop or an employment audit or some stop or an employment audit or some stop or an employment audit or some accident of fate, they've been locked up accident of fate, they've been locked up accident of fate, they've been locked up and told by immigration authorities that and told by immigration authorities that and told by immigration authorities that this can't be their home anymore. this can't be their home anymore. this can't be their home anymore. And I know that immigration challenges And I know that immigration challenges And I know that immigration challenges are complicated and polarizing. And I are complicated and polarizing. And I are complicated and polarizing. And I know that they're not new either, but know that they're not new either, but know that they're not new either, but can you imagine how that might feel like can you imagine how that might feel like can you imagine how that might feel like living in a pit of despair, living in a pit of despair, living in a pit of despair, no escape, no rescue. no escape, no rescue. no escape, no rescue. One of the things that's true about One of the things that's true about One of the things that's true about Houston, this place we call home, is Houston, this place we call home, is Houston, this place we call home, is that it's a hub for human trafficking.

that it's a hub for human trafficking. that it's a hub for human trafficking. By some measures, Houston is number one By some measures, Houston is number one By some measures, Houston is number one in the country. Obviously not a thing we in the country. Obviously not a thing we in the country. Obviously not a thing we want to be. But every day thousands and want to be. But every day thousands and want to be. But every day thousands and thousands of people, mostly women, but thousands of people, mostly women, but thousands of people, mostly women, but not only women, are treated as property not only women, are treated as property not only women, are treated as property and product. Can you imagine how that and product. Can you imagine how that and product. Can you imagine how that might feel like a pit of despair? Don't might feel like a pit of despair? Don't might feel like a pit of despair? Don't even think about trying to escape. even think about trying to escape. even think about trying to escape. Chains are far too thick. Chains are far too thick. Chains are far too thick. These are high octane, high visibility These are high octane, high visibility These are high octane, high visibility examples. But there are plenty of more examples. But there are plenty of more examples. But there are plenty of more mundane pits of despair. We might name mundane pits of despair. We might name mundane pits of despair. We might name addiction, addiction, addiction, depression, depression, depression, anxiety, abusive, manipulative anxiety, abusive, manipulative anxiety, abusive, manipulative relationships, a body that breaks down relationships, a body that breaks down relationships, a body that breaks down and betrays you, working two jobs and and betrays you, working two jobs and and betrays you, working two jobs and still can't pay the bills. There are a still can't pay the bills. There are a still can't pay the bills. There are a boatload of people in our world who need boatload of people in our world who need boatload of people in our world who need to know that ours is a God who rescues to know that ours is a God who rescues to know that ours is a God who rescues from difficult and dangerous from difficult and dangerous from difficult and dangerous circumstances. So, who is God? God is a circumstances. So, who is God? God is a circumstances. So, who is God? God is a rescuer. How does God love face to face? rescuer. How does God love face to face? rescuer. How does God love face to face? And what does God want for us?

And what does God want for us? And what does God want for us? That we do the same. That we do the same. That we do the same. We don't need to pretend that we're the We don't need to pretend that we're the We don't need to pretend that we're the savior of the world or that we can fix savior of the world or that we can fix savior of the world or that we can fix all the problems of life. But we can in all the problems of life. But we can in all the problems of life. But we can in our life our life our life bring God's God's rescuing love to the bring God's God's rescuing love to the bring God's God's rescuing love to the world. We can in our life bring God's world. We can in our life bring God's world. We can in our life bring God's rescuing love to every pit of despair. I rescuing love to every pit of despair. I rescuing love to every pit of despair. I don't know how to solve an immigration don't know how to solve an immigration don't know how to solve an immigration crisis and I don't know how to fix human crisis and I don't know how to fix human crisis and I don't know how to fix human trafficking. But I do know that every trafficking. But I do know that every trafficking. But I do know that every single someone who is trapped in one of single someone who is trapped in one of single someone who is trapped in one of those pits is a person who needs those pits is a person who needs those pits is a person who needs somebody to look them in the face and somebody to look them in the face and somebody to look them in the face and grab them by the hand and help them up. grab them by the hand and help them up. grab them by the hand and help them up. It doesn't need to be some big It doesn't need to be some big It doesn't need to be some big miraculous thing. In fact, it'll almost miraculous thing. In fact, it'll almost miraculous thing. In fact, it'll almost always be not a big miraculous thing. always be not a big miraculous thing. always be not a big miraculous thing. Something small is what it'll be. You Something small is what it'll be. You Something small is what it'll be. You see, this is why when your friend is in see, this is why when your friend is in see, this is why when your friend is in the hospital, you go visit them to show the hospital, you go visit them to show the hospital, you go visit them to show God's love face to face. This is why God's love face to face. This is why God's love face to face. This is why when someone is grieving, you take them when someone is grieving, you take them when someone is grieving, you take them a casserole to rescue them from the fear a casserole to rescue them from the fear a casserole to rescue them from the fear that they'll have to do this alone. This that they'll have to do this alone. This that they'll have to do this alone. This is why we go volunteer at the afterchool is why we go volunteer at the afterchool is why we go volunteer at the afterchool program to show God's love face to face.

program to show God's love face to face. program to show God's love face to face. This is why we might serve with an This is why we might serve with an This is why we might serve with an anti-trafficking organization. This is anti-trafficking organization. This is anti-trafficking organization. This is why we might go with our friend to why we might go with our friend to why we might go with our friend to immigration court to to rescue them from immigration court to to rescue them from immigration court to to rescue them from the fear that they'll have to do this the fear that they'll have to do this the fear that they'll have to do this alone. alone. alone. This is how the people of God, the This is how the people of God, the This is how the people of God, the followers of Jesus need to show up in followers of Jesus need to show up in followers of Jesus need to show up in the world, face to face, making God's the world, face to face, making God's the world, face to face, making God's rescuing love real. We won't always get rescuing love real. We won't always get rescuing love real. We won't always get it right, but it's the best way that we it right, but it's the best way that we it right, but it's the best way that we can be like God. can be like God. can be like God. And the word that Daniel's story might And the word that Daniel's story might And the word that Daniel's story might put onto it is faithfulness. put onto it is faithfulness. put onto it is faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. That's our job to be faithful to the God That's our job to be faithful to the God That's our job to be faithful to the God who rescues, who shows his love face to who rescues, who shows his love face to who rescues, who shows his love face to face. And Daniel's story makes two face. And Daniel's story makes two face. And Daniel's story makes two things very clear. First, faithfulness things very clear. First, faithfulness things very clear. First, faithfulness is possible. is possible. is possible. It is possible. Daniel was in exile far It is possible. Daniel was in exile far It is possible. Daniel was in exile far from home with all sorts of rules from home with all sorts of rules from home with all sorts of rules imposed upon him, all sorts of imposed upon him, all sorts of imposed upon him, all sorts of expectations of his peers. And in every expectations of his peers. And in every expectations of his peers. And in every circumstance, he chose to follow God circumstance, he chose to follow God circumstance, he chose to follow God before anything else. In every before anything else. In every before anything else. In every circumstance, he chose to let his faith circumstance, he chose to let his faith circumstance, he chose to let his faith shape the way he shows up in the world.

shape the way he shows up in the world. shape the way he shows up in the world. Faithfulness is possible. Faithfulness is possible. Faithfulness is possible. It is possible to make God's rescuing It is possible to make God's rescuing It is possible to make God's rescuing love real to someone else. Even if you love real to someone else. Even if you love real to someone else. Even if you have a busy schedule and even if you are have a busy schedule and even if you are have a busy schedule and even if you are an introvert and even if your colleagues an introvert and even if your colleagues an introvert and even if your colleagues don't care much about this sort of don't care much about this sort of don't care much about this sort of thing, faithfulness is possible. And the thing, faithfulness is possible. And the thing, faithfulness is possible. And the second thing, faithfulness is powerful. second thing, faithfulness is powerful. second thing, faithfulness is powerful. That's the closing point of Daniel's That's the closing point of Daniel's That's the closing point of Daniel's story with the lions. Faithfulness is story with the lions. Faithfulness is story with the lions. Faithfulness is powerful because it is how others will powerful because it is how others will powerful because it is how others will know who God is and how God loves. know who God is and how God loves. know who God is and how God loves. Daniel chooses to be faithful to God Daniel chooses to be faithful to God Daniel chooses to be faithful to God before all else. Faithful to God no before all else. Faithful to God no before all else. Faithful to God no matter what the king says. And the king, matter what the king says. And the king, matter what the king says. And the king, the one who puts Daniel in the lion's the one who puts Daniel in the lion's the one who puts Daniel in the lion's den, the king sees what happens. And the den, the king sees what happens. And the den, the king sees what happens. And the story ends the same way it began with story ends the same way it began with story ends the same way it began with that king making a very strange very that king making a very strange very that king making a very strange very specific proclamation. I make a decree.

specific proclamation. I make a decree. specific proclamation. I make a decree. He says that in all my royal dominion He says that in all my royal dominion He says that in all my royal dominion people should tremble and fear before people should tremble and fear before people should tremble and fear before the God of Daniel the God of Daniel the God of Daniel for he is the living God enduring for he is the living God enduring for he is the living God enduring forever. His kingdom shall never be forever. His kingdom shall never be forever. His kingdom shall never be destroyed and his dominion has no end. destroyed and his dominion has no end. destroyed and his dominion has no end. He delivers and rescues. He works signs He delivers and rescues. He works signs He delivers and rescues. He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth. For and wonders in heaven and on earth. For and wonders in heaven and on earth. For he has saved Daniel from the power of he has saved Daniel from the power of he has saved Daniel from the power of the lions. It's not clear whether the the lions. It's not clear whether the the lions. It's not clear whether the king himself has been converted. king himself has been converted. king himself has been converted. But now he knows. But now he knows. But now he knows. He knows that our God saves. He knows that our God saves. He knows that our God saves. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. rescuing God. Thank you for meeting us rescuing God. Thank you for meeting us rescuing God. Thank you for meeting us in every pit of despair, for making your in every pit of despair, for making your in every pit of despair, for making your love known to us face to face. Give us love known to us face to face. Give us love known to us face to face. Give us the faithfulness of Daniel, the courage the faithfulness of Daniel, the courage the faithfulness of Daniel, the courage to trust you, to follow you, to let our to trust you, to follow you, to let our to trust you, to follow you, to let our faith shape the way we show up in the faith shape the way we show up in the faith shape the way we show up in the world. Open our eyes to the people world. Open our eyes to the people world. Open our eyes to the people around us who need a hand or a friend or around us who need a hand or a friend or around us who need a hand or a friend or a word of hope or simply the reminder a word of hope or simply the reminder a word of hope or simply the reminder that they are not alone. And through our that they are not alone. And through our that they are not alone. And through our lives, may others come to know what lives, may others come to know what lives, may others come to know what Daniel knew, that you are the living Daniel knew, that you are the living Daniel knew, that you are the living God, the one who rescues and delivers God, the one who rescues and delivers God, the one who rescues and delivers the whole world. In the name of Jesus, the whole world. In the name of Jesus, the whole world. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.