A Prophet in Exile pt. 5

A Prophet In Exile pt. 4

Human power may be impressive. It may even appear threatening at times. But it is limited. In the story of the fiery furnace, we are assured that God is the living God. He is present in the times of our trials. And in the faithfulness of his followers, we are reminded of the importance of a long obedience in the same direction. Faithfulness to God outlasts the flourishes of earthly pride.

Daniel is promoted to rule over Babylon and all of its wise men. His peers are appointed his administrators at his request. We see how Human achievements and honours are to be held lightly. Worldly wealth and power are as nothing in the face of God’s sovereign plan for humanity. God remains in control of human history, even when the powerful oppress and dominate. Ultimately every Kingdom has feet of clay and only the Stone, God’s Kingdom, will stand forever and fill the earth with righteousness. This is both a caution and a comfort.

Although we are not in Babylonian exile, we are (like the Judeans) called to be faithful servants of God in a cultural context where oftentimes many are resistant to the things of God. And yet, it is precisely within that context that we need to look to Jesus and understand how to live well, and for Him.

New Year message of getting our priorities and our hearts right before God for 2026.

We conclude our series by looking ahead, journeying with the Magi to acknowledge the ultimate authority of the One born in the cradle. This message focuses on the Crown, Christ’s ultimate Lordship, and the hope instilled by the knowledge that He is coming again. We are called to live as a kingdom of priests, serving the King whose coming brings order out of chaos and whose reign inspires our worship.

This message, intentionally placed between the profound reflection of Christmas and the dawn of a New Year, invites us to take a spiritual year-end inventory. We will look back, like Mary, and “treasure up all these things and ponder them in our hearts,” acknowledging God’s faithfulness throughout the past year. We will then look forward, pressing toward the future vision of the Crown and the high call of Christ Jesus, ensuring the eternal purpose of Christmas shapes our destiny and intentions in the year to come. The gift of Christmas, to be complete, must be received and fully utilized.