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Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church
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March 12, 2017
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Questions for
Reflection
Why do you think Daniel and his friends thought dietary rules were so important?
How do you think their obedience to God's commands initially impacted their relationship with the people of Babylon? In the long term?
How do you think their decisions deepened wisdom?
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What Matters Most :: Character
The Rev. Debbie Whaley, preaching
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As we continue our Lenten journey together, it is good for us to consider how we should focus on the things that matter most. The ancient prophet, Daniel, was forced into circumstances that challenged what was familiar about faith and life. What about his character would guide his choices and decisions?
Let's explore character as a key component of Christian formation as we worship this week at 7:50 a.m., 10 a.m., and 5 p.m.
See you on Sunday!
Debbie
P.S. Remember Daylight Savings begins this weekend, so set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.
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Theme for the Day
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"Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us." --Thomas Paine
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Scripture Passage
The palace master gave them other names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine; so he asked the palace master to allow him not to defile himself. Now God allowed Daniel to receive favor and compassion from the palace master. The palace master said to Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king; he has appointed your food and your drink. If he should see you in poorer condition than the other young men of your own age, you would endanger my head with the king." Then Daniel asked the guard whom the palace master had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: "Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. You can then compare our appearance with the appearance of the young men who eat the royal rations, and deal with your servants according to what you observe." So he agreed to this proposal and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days it was observed that they appeared better and fatter than all the young men who had been eating the royal rations. So the guard continued to withdraw their royal rations and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.
To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had insight into all visions and dreams. At the end of the time that the king had set for them to be brought in, the palace master brought them into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar, and the king spoke with them. And among them all, no one was found to compare with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they were stationed in the king's court. In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. And Daniel continued there until the first year of King Cyrus.
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