…at the conclusion of the session, what commitment did you and I make? “to learn”
In the space below, please write down the names of all nine books starting with the Psalms and ending with Daniel.
“Psalms; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Solomon; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Lamentations; Ezekiel; Daniel”
Now, read Daniel 1:1-2. Name the two characters introduced in these opening statements and identify who they are.
“Jehoiakim, King of Judah
“Nebuchadnezzer, King of Babylon”
What do you think were some of the first thoughts [Daniel] might have had as the caravan of captives pulled away from the city?
“Can this nightmare really be happening? Isn’t God going to stop it? Why is he letting them do this to us? Why do I have to pay for my elders’ sins?”
God is faithful to keep His Word even when it’s a warning.
List some of the parallels we discussed between Babylon and the western culture that seek to hold us captive. You may review your listening guide, but you’ll probably need a little more than a glance at Daniel 1:3-4.
“Society today emphasizes youth and beauty as a measure of excellence. In theory intelligence is valued as well, though in many examples, it seems foolish behavior and choices get the most press.”
Read verses 8 and 10 of Isaiah 47 and fill in the blank according to verse 10: ‘You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, “No one sees me.” Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, “I am, and there is none besides me.”
Share one of the most outrageous examples of the Babylon Motto mentality you’ve personally encountered.
“I have a friend with borderline personality disorder, and another friend I think might also have it but is undiagnosed. Many of their conversations, temper, tantrums, and pouting sessions would answer this question.
“The latter was convinced that she had one of the best singing voices in church and that there was some politics she didn’t know how to play that kept her from ever getting any solos.
“The former tries to listen to my stories, problems, and concerns, but always quickly turns the conversation back to her own issues.”
Dearest Rachel –
When I initially looked at this first session’s homework, I thought the title was “Choices to Make,” which felt singularly appropriate when I’m trying to look up a new collection of notes to go through and remember each Sunday. Then I discovered that was the theme for the entire week (or, as I intend to relate to it, the next month or so). It also had me wondering if there will be enough of this study on Daniel to last, say, until our own Daniel’s next birthday. Turns out, I needn’t have worried; eleven sessions, with daily homework, will presumably last for an entire year.
Have I told you “thank you” lately for making these notes? Because even though they don’t name-check me all that much, it’s still nice to hear from you. On the other hand, it’s not always a good thing to be name-checked in these studies; I recognize both people you’re referencing, and wonder if they’ll recognize themselves if they saw this. Part of me thinks that it’s been so long (and these letters are so obscure) that it won’t happen. There’s also a part of me that wonders how much of one’s past one looks back on and is embarrassed by; would either of them react that way to these references?
Although, on the subject of embarrassing behavior, it’s still true that the dumbest things get more press than they deserve even today. Then again, I don’t know that this means that idiots are held up as role models; quite the opposite, in fact, as they serve as an example of what not to do. But given that they get attention, there are – and always will be – those who aspire to being that way simply to make bank… which may be the purest form of idiocy we have these days
Meanwhile, your thoughts on those of the Hebrew captives really strikes home; after the events of this past week, I think this is the basis for my continued pessimism. God doesn’t prevent bad things from happening, after all, even to good people. He even lets worse people triumph over His people who are behaving badly (although that’s more Habakkuk than Daniel) – and one can safely assume it can (and will) happen in this day and age just as well. To be sure, although this particular passage of study doesn’t cover it, Daniel remains faithful, regardless… which I suppose is what I need to do, as well (assuming I know how).
To that end, I suppose I should therefore ask you, as always, to keep an eye on me, honey, and wish me luck, as I’m still going to need it.
Letters to Rachel 