It might look like the foreign powers and kingdoms of the day are reigning supreme, but God is present and guarantees the coming of Christ who will establish his eternal kingdom.  

Like Daniel we are foreigners and exiles in our own Babylon, but through Jesus we have freedom from exile, therefore we must resist the deforming patterns of our world and wisely choose when to make a stand in the strength of Jesus.

Jesus is able to satisfy our deepest thirst in a way that nothing else can.

The aim of this music service is to be reminded and encouraged of Jesus’ sovereignty in all circumstances of life. This is firstly seen in His death and resurrection, and further in the book of Daniel as He rescues Daniel from the Lion’s Den, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the fire, but also humbles kings like Nebuchadnezzar. Through it all, Jesus remains king, He is sovereign: yesterday, today and forevermore.

What do the disciples do in the face of their failure. And what will we do today?

Jesus teaches us how to understand the significance of his death on the cross in these two passages of John. The cross brings freedom from future judgement because it is the future judgement of God on us if we own that Jesus is receiving what we deserve in our place. 

Many followers had abandoned and denied Jesus, yet the crucified, merciful, and risen King of God’s Kingdom calls them, in spite of their fears, to follow him to the ends of the earth and then into eternity. 

Jesus, the Son of God, and the King over sin, death, and creation – now submits to death at the hands of sinful creation. Because he entered into suffering and death, salvation is accomplished, and the way is open for God’s people to rest in God’s presence. 

King Jesus arrived in Jerusalem to bring in God’s Kingdom but, because of their rejection of him, they have missed the arrival of God’s salvation and instead will receive judgment. 

The disciples are blind to Jesus and the nature of his kingdom, and so blind to follow Jesus in the way of service to all. Instead a blind beggar truly sees and follows Jesus on the way.