King Belshazar was, like many other historic royals, more into parties and pomp than running a kingdom. Early in his reign, he decided to use the holy vessels of the Lord's Temple as red Solo cups... This disrespect was wantonly treacherous towards God and led to his untimely demise.

Nebuchadnezzer was the most powerful king on earth. When he put his faith in his own power and abilities, God took away his sanity, so that he lived like an animal for some time. When he came to his senses, he praised the God of the universe, Who had mercy on him by teaching him the error of his pride.

Revelation is a gift given by God, through the last living disciple John. It tells the story of the end of all things. The most important message? Despite the suffering and travail of this life, God and His saints live victorious forever!

Anyone brought up in the church knows the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were thrown into the fiery furnace. As miraculous as their rescue was, their unwavering faith is the true miracle of this story. Facing execution, they told the king they would trust their God even if He didn't rescue them. May we be blessed with such great faith!

The King had grown suspicious of his "trusted" advisors, so he presented them with an impossible dilemma. He wanted them to interpret a dream without telling them the dream! Daniel and his friends humbled themselves before God and were told both the dream and its interpretation. But the lesson here is not that God answers prayers because of our holiness. Rather, we pray because God answers prayer!

We live in evil and crooked times. Most are content to waste their lives. Others are intent on ruining their lives by running as far from the Lord as they can. When we, the redeemed, patiently bear with others and share the love of Christ with them, we are, "snatching them from the fire," according to Jude.  

Daniel and his three friends are among the first exiles deported from Judah to Babylon. They are remarkable young men, quickly elevated to leadership in the kingdom. But what most stands out about them is their faithfulness. Daniel's name means, "God is my Judge." He lives up to his name, as a faithful witness who served in the imperial courts of two of the most powerful kingdoms of all time.

The River of Life and Tree of Life feature in the new creation. This river of love is so vast and sweet that it turns even the Dead Sea into a lush oasis. We taste this sweetness of God's love in baptism, but can't even begin to imagine the joy that will fill our hearts when we see these things with our own eyes.

John's final epistle is not hard to understand. He wants nothing more than to be with his spiritual children forever in heaven. Every parent and grandparent understands this. May we, motivated by love, be used by God to fill heaven with those we touch with God's redeeming love in Christ Jesus.

Feasting has been a part of worship since the institution of animal sacrifice in the Garden. In heaven, even though all sin is already forgiven, worship will include feasting with God. All the savory succulence of a gourmet meal, mixed with the love and joy of a grand family reunion, barely begins to describe the joy we will know there.