Against the Flow: Holiness in a Hostile WorldSample

Day 10: Same God in a Changing World

Change is the only constant in life. Across history, we see the rise and fall of empires and different political powers. Both on a societal and personal level, we are subject to massive changes constantly. Yet with all these changes, the fallenness of the world seems to stay the same. We battle temptations in different forms. The Christ-centred values we practice are at odds with the world’s. How do we navigate the unpredictability of a changing and fallen world as believers?

Daniel 5 concludes with the fall of the great Babylonian empire. The city of Babylon, which was thought to be impenetrable, was ultimately conquered by the Persians. The Bible clearly shows that Babylon had achieved its status as a major empire only at God’s sovereign determination (v18). Since Belshazzar had been “found wanting” (v27), God allowed Babylon to fall to the Persians (v28). It is the hand of the most High God that initiated this change and He is in control, even as His people were in captivity (v21b).

Here, Daniel had lived through the entire rule of Babylon and had seen God at work. In fact, the dream Daniel interpreted for Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:39) about another kingdom rising up was now coming to pass before his very eyes. The fall of Babylon was a turning point that marked the end of Israel’s seventy years of exile as the Persians would eventually allow the Jews to return to their homeland. God not only preserved and protected His people in captivity but orchestrated the rise and fall of authorities for His purposes. To the Israelites, a new human ruler had taken over, but God was still ultimately on the throne. While they continued to experience living in a pagan land, they knew God had kept His promise.

Similarly for us, changes around us may threaten to destabilise us or throw us into disarray, but God is still in control. The world will continue to evolve and we will need to contend against the godlessness around us until Jesus returns. However, we can hold on to God, our eternal constant. The same God who was faithful to His people in the book of Daniel is the same God who still sits on the throne today. The same God who sent Christ to die on the Cross for our sins is the same God who is risen and reigning over all today.

Will you trust Him?

Prayer points:

• Are you going through challenging changes in your life? Pray for yourself to be reminded of God’s sovereignty in all seasons of your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to remind you that His plans and purposes will always come to pass as you follow after Him.
• Pray for yourself to put your trust in God while you live in a fallen world. Ask for the Lord to remind you of His faithfulness and constancy through changing times.