What's the difference?

Daniel and his friends, living under the thumb of a foreign king, are continually challenged to compromise and conform. While they compromise on several fronts (Babylonian names and education, for example) they refuse to eat the king's food. In doing so, Daniel makes it clear his allegiance is to a Heavenly King, not an earthly one. What makes you and me obviously different because our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus our King?

While we could apply this question to many contemporary cultural issues, let's consider how we can express our peculiar identity as Jesus followers in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Psychologists tell us we are entering the "disillusionment" phase of recovery. This phase occurs once the Pre-disaster, Impact, Heroic and Honeymoon phases fade. The Disillusionment phase is characterized by disappointment, resentment, blame, anger, and frustration. During this phase, media attention drifts, and an "every-man-for-himself" mentality emerges.

How will we respond as Jesus followers to such a time as this? Will we join the chorus of complainers? Will we shove our heads in the sand and pretend real problems don't exist? Or will we find a voice of hope and compassion because we serve a King who makes beauty out of rubble?  Daniel 1:19 says, "None was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king." May we be found like none other, as we stand before our Heavenly King.

If you missed last weekend's message you can listen to it here.