Pastoral Moment
The book of Daniel has fascinated Christians for centuries. Who wouldn’t love the stories of a young Daniel and his friends, under intense pressure in the courts of the most powerful nation on earth, exhibiting tremendous courage and resolute faithfulness, and witnessing God’s miraculous interventions in their lives?
Incredibly, in Daniel’s account, these daring tales are eclipsed by the dreams and visions that with stunning accuracy predict the movement of world superpowers, not only in Daniel’s time but into the future, and yes, even into our time!
The historical narrative mixed with predictive prophecy make Daniel a unique book in our Bibles, but also an incredibly relevant one for us.
As Christians we too are in ‘exile’, away from our true Home and struggling ourselves under the intense pressure of the world around us. We too are called to exhibit courage and faithfulness, and we too long to see God’s miraculous interventions in our lives!
Not only that, we too are concerned about the movement of world superpowers, anxious to know that God is in fact still sovereign over the ‘kingdoms’ of this world, our own nation, and our very own lives!
The fact that Daniel stretches into our own futures, with its resounding theme of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to His people, inspires both hope & faithfulness.
Our journey starts this coming Sunday, and will stretch out over the next few months:
Sunday 12 June – 7 August: Daniel 1-6
Sunday 14 – 28 August: Series break
Sunday 4 Sep – 6 Nov: Daniel 7-12
To get the most out of this study we strongly encourage you to do two things:
- Work through the personal study guide
This is more than a ‘daily devotional’. It will guide you through reading the chapter ahead of the Sunday sermon, with helpful study prompts and clues. - Join a study group
Community group leaders are equipped to share a lot more about the chapter following each sermon, and perhaps more importantly, to help assimilate the principles into daily life!
Watch the Clash of Kingdoms series on YouTube
Ultimately the book of Daniel draws our attention to Jesus, and His future kingdom, which makes it foundational reading for Christians anytime, anywhere:
“I was watching in the night visions, And with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man was approaching. He went up to the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him. To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty. All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him. His authority is eternal and will not pass away. His kingdom will not be destroyed”
(Daniel 7:13-14)
May God bless us all as we study His word together!
Richard
