Earlier I pointed out that in narratives, such as the opening chapters of Daniel, the story carries the theology. Let’s add to that: the plot or rising action carries the story that carries the theology. Here’s an example from Daniel chapter 2.
The theology is carried by a king’s dilemma: he doesn’t understand his dreams. He has limited wisdom and so do his so-called wise men (2:14, 18). Daniel, however, is confident that he is able to interpret the king’s dream because Daniel’s God possesses wisdom (v. 20), He also “gives wisdom to the wise” (v. 21), including Daniel (v. 23).
That’s all historical data provided in the narrative. But a sermon is created when we understand that Daniel represents all God’s people. Through faith in Christ–more on that in another post–all God’s people obtain wisdom. Daniel closes with: “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above…” These wise men and women will be the ones who inhabit God’s “kingdom that shall never be destroyed” (v. 44).
This explains how the plot fits in with Daniel’s interpretation of the king’s dream (vv. 31-45). Without this move, the content of the king’s dream is disconnected from the plot. Throughout history God gives kingdoms to rulers, but one day, He will give His eternal kingdom to all the wise. Before then, however, the wise in the book of Daniel are the ones God uses to represent Him in a kingdom ruled by the ungodly. That’s us in our world.
But all of this starts by allowing the rising action of the plot to carry the story that carries the theology. Lots of sermons are created apart from the storyline. That happens when major points and/or principles are disconnected from the plot. In other words, preachers are tempted to focus on isolated data within the story rather than the story itself.
Before Sunday, if you’re preaching a narrative Text, see if the subject of your sermon matches the subject of the rising action within the plot.
May our Lord receive glory in the church and in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:21).
Randal
There’s even more to this narrative here. Daniel’s wisdom came from not breaking God’s Laws. He, along with his three friends, were unique among the Hebrew children taken into Nebuchadnezar’s court. And drawing this further, we can go right to 1Cor 2, 13-3, 3, where Paul compares the world’s wisdom with spiritual wisdom, and then slams the Corinthians for their failure to mature–make the right choices, one could say. It ties in beautifully with the narrative you’ve mentioned. I hadn’t thought of that before reading this post. Thanks. (I’m preaching through 1 Cor right now, so that passage is relatively fresh on my mind).
This series, btw, has encouraged me to revisit Daniel, only this time, as a complete book. You’ve given me lots of inspiration. Thanks.
Excellent observation! Thank you for adding depth to this post. I think that is a valid connection that helps Daniel function for the Church. I’m glad to hear this material on Daniel has helped some. Keep up the good work of faith.