November 28
Daniel 5:1-31 | PS 119:113-128 | Prov 28:19-20 | 2 Peter 2:1-22
Can it really be that simple? With so much and so many clamoring for our attention and allegiance, with so many disparate arguments coming from so many so-called "experts”, can direction and peace really be that clear? The answer is yes. The answer comes from the word of God. The answer is God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Despite the multitude of voices, the Bible puts forward one voice, one direction, and one answer. Though written over 2000 years ago over a period of1400 years, by over 40 different authors, in three languages, across three continents, as opposed to what most cynics like to say, there are not a multitude of interpretations surrounding the essentials of the faith. When these essentials are accepted unwaveringly and held onto tenaciously, then despite what is thrown at us, life makes sense and our decisions are clarified. Yes, it is really that simple. Yet, for whatever reason, and with one excuse after another, the majority of the world chooses to not pick up the only book with the power to guide our lives. Diving into self-help books, media outlets, etc., if not centered on the word of God, will do the opposite of what they claim to do. They lead to and add to confusion.
As we witness the disparity of Daniel, who has spent his whole life centered on God, and those in power who surround him, the difference is staggering. Daniel faces one confrontation after another in total peace. While those in positions of power may seem to have the upper hand and walk with a swagger of confidence, time and time again they are reduced to nothing when they stand in opposition to God. Daniel 5 opens with the king, Belshazzar, of Babylon living it up, being the master of ceremony at a lavish godless celebration. He was in total control until God entered the scene and fingers from a man's hand supernaturally wrote on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace. We read in Daniel 5:6, "Then the king's countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other." So much for his swagger. After Daniel, who is now very old at the time and has been out of the public eye for awhile is brought in, he holds nothing back, and before telling the king the verdict, makes this comment in 5:23, "...And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified." In the very next chapter of Daniel's life we see an evil edict which the king was tricked into signing into law, which required all to worship the king only for the next thirty days under penalty of death. We see Daniel's response in 6:10, "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since his early days". We witness the situation which unfolds, but Daniel's demeanor and peace are unflappable despite his being thrown into a den of hungry lions. In the morning, when he answers the king, he essentially tells the king that his God never left him and never forsook him.
To some the Bible seems daunting or confusing, though to most they choose not to read out of lack of desire or interest. To both groups I ask you to consider joining us next year as we begin the One Year Bible Challenge 2026. Decisions are being made daily, both personally and publicly. The choice truly is simple. Gain knowledge and clarity through God's word, or continue to meander along aimlessly, frightened, afraid without direction. Yes, it really is that simple.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: