The Glamour of Babylon
On Sunday, Aaron painted a vivid backstory to Daniel's arrival at the gates of Nebuchadnezzar's palace. We imagine how as a young boy, he must have been overwhelmed by the grandness of the towering walls and gates, the shining gold boasting the kingdom's wealth, and huge mosaics of powerful animals daring anyone to stand up to such a mighty nation. In spite of the onslaught of voices and offerings attempting to woo and sway Daniel to become a Babylonian, he resisted because he knew at whose table he was already a guest--he knew he already feasted with the rightful king. Below the image of the gates are a few questions for reflection--comments are open so let us know what you're hearing and thinking!
--Jen
Ishtar Gate (entry into Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar's Palace), on display in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin
- Imagine what it would have felt like to be Daniel walking through these walls after being in a detainment camp outside of the city? What do you think would have been going through his mind? What sorts of emotions do you think he felt?
- Daniel takes a stand against the food he's offered from, "the king's table." Likely, this had less to do with the food being "unclean" and more to do with it being a symbol of Babylonian acceptance. Daniel is willing to live in the city, be renamed, and even serve in the king's court, but he is unwilling to eat Babylon into his system (you are what you eat!). How do you think the world today strives to draw us in as Christians, inviting us to become fully like the world? How can we stand against this pressure?
- When you read Daniel one what do you think is at stake? How can we stand against the kingdom in which we find ourselves without completely retreating?