TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. Daniel 5:23b
TODAY’S MESSAGE
At least forty years have elapsed since the events humbled King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4. The king has passed away, and now his descendant, King Belshazzar, reigns. Belshazzar has forgotten the legendary stories of Nebuchadnezzar’s encounters with the one true God and his servant Daniel. The Babylonian empire sits on the brink of disaster with an invading army at their doorstep. Rather than seeking God’s help, Belshazzar throws a wild party that dishonors God and destroys himself and the kingdom.
The story reveals how God takes his honor seriously. This theme of God’s honor repeats throughout Daniel and the entire Bible. God allows the Israelites (God’s people) to be defeated and deported to Babylon after generations of failing to honor God’s name and follow God’s commands. Yet even in this exile, God’s people (including Daniel) seek to stay faithful to God in a hostile culture that does not know or honor God. The Israelites know that not heeding God and his honor brings disastrous results.
Our culture doesn’t lean toward respect and honor, either. Honoring God involves every aspect of our lives, but it may not come naturally. This week we will see God cares about his honor. We will be reminded of God’s glory, honor and character. We will see we are to honor who God is, even if we don’t fully understand him. God desires we live lives that honor him wherever we are, especially in places we’d rather not be. God asks that we honor him based on what we do know about him and the life he offers through his Son Jesus. As we seek to honor God in our thoughts, words and choices—God helps us live the life he designed us for.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Ask God to reveal any areas of your life that do not honor him. Then, ask for help to honor him in every area of your life this week. “God, I desire my life to honor you in all I do, say and think. Amen.”
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.
MATTHEW 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
