Sermons

Reformation Sunday (10-29-23)

Daniel 6:10-12, 16-23
10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: "Did you not publish a decree that
during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown
into the lions' den?" The king answered, "The decree stands-- in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians,
which cannot be repealed." 13 Then they said to the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention
to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day." 14 When the king heard this,
he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him. 15 Then
the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, "Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the
Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed." 16 So the king gave the order, and they
brought Daniel and threw him into the lions' den. The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually,
rescue you!" 17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet
ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel's situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his
palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.
19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to
Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able
to rescue you from the lions?" 21 Daniel answered, "May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut
the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any
wrong before you, Your Majesty." 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when
Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.