Beyond the Weekend

October 10 | Honor in Exile

October 10, 2022

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility – young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. Daniel 1:3-4

Read: Daniel 1
Listen: 
Daniel 1

TODAY’S MESSAGE

The book of Daniel was written during a unique time in Israel’s history. Babylon (the dominant empire at the time) had just conquered the Israelites. They took significant artifacts from the temple and the best and brightest young people from Jerusalem. Daniel and others found themselves in the heart of a culture that didn’t respect their God. The Old Testament book of Daniel tells how he and others continue to honor God while in exile in this foreign place.

Most of us are not living in a foreign land conquered by another nation but still find ourselves in a culture that doesn’t seek to honor God. We can learn a lot from Daniel and these others about how to do the same.

This week, we look at Daniel 1 to consider the impact these events had on the faith of the people of Israel and see where God was at work in the midst of this national tragedy. We also see how Daniel navigated being a citizen of two kingdoms and how his character shone through as he attempted to serve both well. May our gracious God use this book to help us to honor him in our lives every day.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

As we open this series in the book of Daniel, invite God to move in your heart these next six weeks. Ask God to challenge, convict and encourage you as you seek to honor him in your life. This is a meaningful conversation for all of us. Much like Daniel, we have a lot we can learn to honor God well in a culture that doesn’t always honor God.


2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE

Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.

MICAH 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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