Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 14

Day 14 - Thursday, July 11
Read Daniel 5

Highlight
In Daniel 5, we see the fall of Babylon under King Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s son. When Daniel is called in to read the writing on the wall he’s now near ninety and it’s clear from his interaction with Belshazzar that his time of influence in the Babylonian Kingdom has passed with Nebuchadnezzar. Belshazzar has clearly not learned from either the failures or the repentance of his father. Daniel boldly rebukes Belshazzar for his arrogance and sacrilege, interpreting the message as God's judgment: the kingdom will be taken from him and given to the Medes and Persians. That very night, Babylon falls. Even in Daniel’s advanced years, and as he prepares to see the fall of the earthly kingdom he has given his life to, he remains faithful to the God of Israel. Despite his long captivity, and at times great power in the Babylonian empire, Daniel knows who he is and who he truly belongs to.

Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method.  It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.  We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading.  It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal.  But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.

S.O.A.P. Method

Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?

Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?

Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?

Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).