Daniel 5
1. God takes sacred things seriously, v. 1-4
Sacred means connected o God or dedicated to a religious purpose. Often refers to something that exists for a specific, spiritual purpose.
2. These kind of people will always be in demand, v. 5-12
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
-James 3:13-18
3. God values humility, v. 13-23
“Have this mind among yourself, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalt him and bestowed on him the name the tis above very name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.”
-Philippians 2:5-11
Humility is confident power that is willing to be itself without always having to prove itself.
4. Salvation belongs to God, v. 24-30
“For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.”
-Romans 9:9-18
Mental worship…
Would anybody describe you as “full of light?”
What is sacred to you and is your life ordered around those things?
When you think about humbling your heart what comes to mind?
Does it seem fair that God has mercy on some and not on others? On what basis could it be unfair?
What, if anything, will change in your living as a result of what you heard today?