Tuesday, November 14, 2023 - FAITHFULNESS NO MATTER WHAT

 

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 - Day 318  - (Today’s Bible readings: :  Daniel 8:1-27; Psalm 119:65-72; 2 Peter 3:14-18)

FAITHFULNESS NO MATTER WHAT

“So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”  (Daniel 6:28 ESV)

There is so much packed into these first six chapters of Daniel. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego find themselves captive in Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace provides the opportunity for us to witness God’s miraculous protection of those who honor Him. The handwriting on the wall is interpreted by Daniel, and the king, who was found wanting, dies. Darius, who assumes the throne of Babylon and Persia, is tricked into sending Daniel into a den of lions, and also gets to witness God’s amazing protection of one of His faithful servants. 

The lesson is the same for us us today. Remain faithful to the one true God in the middle of a culture that wants us to do just the opposite. Listen to Jesus’ words of  encouragement:

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)

1. Jesus, lead Thou on till our rest is won;  

And although the way be cheerless,

We will follow calm and fearless.  

Guide us by Thy hand to our fatherland.

2. If the way be drear, if the foe be near, 

Let not faithless fears o'ertake us;

Let not faith and hope forsake us; 

For through many a woe to our home we go.

3. When we seek relief from a long-felt grief;  

When temptations come alluring,

Make us patient and enduring;  

Show us that bright shore where we weep no more.

4. Jesus, lead Thou on till our rest is won.  

Heavenly Leader still direct us,

Still support, control, protect us, 

Till we safely stand in our fatherland.

(“Jesus, Lead Thou On,” Lutheran Service Book #718)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples of faithfulness to You in the middle of very trying circumstances. Please strengthen my faith in You and my desire to serve only You. In the name of Jesus, my risen Savior. Amen.

        

Pastor David Paape