Apollo 13 is racing toward Earth at about 25,000 mph, and the margin for error when entering the atmosphere is about 2 degrees: too shallow and the spacecraft bounces off like a stone skipping on water, too steep and it burns up. This sermon shows that our small everyday choices work the same way, and it leads us to Daniel and his three friends, whose names were changed in Babylon, and with them their identity (Dan 1). Whoever is a disciple of Christ remembers every day, in small matters and large, the goal they are heading toward: eternity with God. Listen if you want to think about which of your small compromises may be quietly changing the course of your life.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- What did the Babylonians want to achieve by changing the names of Daniel and his friends, and what did those names mean before?
- Why did Daniel make a "firm resolve" not to defile himself with the king's food, even though his situation was so difficult?
- How do you understand the comparison with Apollo 13 and the margin for error of about 2 degrees? What does it say about small choices?
- Which matters do you usually consider small and unimportant, but may matter more than you think?
- The speaker lists love, faith, hope, grace, integrity, and service as elements of the identity of Christ's disciple. Which of these is hardest for you to hold on to in your surroundings?
- This week, how can you draw on God's Word, the Holy Spirit, and the community of believers to stay on the right course?
