In 1801, a stone tablet covered in cuneiform writing arrived in London from Baghdad, and after several decades scholars were finally able to read it. It turned out that the voice speaking was Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who considered himself lord of the world. This story opens a sermon about the ruler’s dream and about Daniel, who turns to God in the midst of a crisis (Dan 2). Kingdoms change, but God rules over our present and over a future we do not know. Listen if you want to see what your hope rests on when the world around you seems unstable.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Why did the Babylonian wise men conclude that only the gods could reveal the king's dream to him? How does Daniel point to the God who reveals mysteries?
- What does this prayer say about God, according to Daniel's words in Daniel 2:20-23? Why does Daniel begin with praise rather than celebrating his own success?
- What does it mean to you that God changes times and seasons, removes kings and sets up kings? How does this change the way you look at events in the world?
- Daniel asks for time, tells his friends about the situation, and prays before he knows the answer. How can you act in a similar way in a situation that is slipping out of your control?
- Where do you most easily look for support that is human and has its limits? What would change if you based your hope on God's promise rather than on the stability of this world?
- How, according to the sermon, does Christian hope differ from ordinary optimism? How can you trust God this week in a matter whose future you do not know?
