Sermons That Exalt Christ

Above All Earthly Powers

In "Above All Earthly Powers," Pastor Tom Pennington examines Daniel 5 to illustrate God's absolute sovereignty over human history and political leaders. Recalling Babylon's historical significance, Pennington introduces its last king, Belshazzar, who defiantly held a feast amidst a siege, desecrating sacred temple vessels and praising pagan gods. A mysterious hand then appeared, writing an undecipherable message on the wall. Daniel, summoned to interpret, revealed God's judgment: the kingdom was "Mene" (numbered, completed), "Tekel" (weighed and found wanting), and "Upharsin" (divided and given to the Medes and Persians). This prophecy was fulfilled that very night as Babylon fell to Cyrus, demonstrating that regardless of a regime's wickedness, or a ruler's power, God is in control and holds all leaders accountable. The sermon concludes by offering practical applications, encouraging believers to find comfort in God's sovereignty amidst political unrest, properly respect authority, humble themselves before God, and place ultimate hope not in transient earthly nations but in God's eternal, unshakable kingdom.