Daniel 2:1-23 - It is interesting that the magicians reply to the King's request in v. 11 by saying that "The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh." Contrast this type of agnosticism with the end of Daniel's prayer in v. 23 where Daniel calls Lord "O God of my Fathers . . ." Daniel knows and trusts the character of God because of how God had revealed Himself to his fathers. Also this passage brings to mind John 1.14. While "the gods" do not "dwell with flesh" - the one true God has done exactly that in the Incarnation.
Revelation 18:1-24 - Here we have a sobering scene of the Lord's judgment on evil Babylon. Though the effects of the Lord's judgment apply to all its citizens, note how the text focuses extensively on the plight of the merchant (vv. 13, 15, 23; plus the reference trade in v. 17). What a clear reminder that our economic freedom and success is not due to our own creativity but rather a gift of God.
This is also a reminder of the temporary nature of our callings. Verses 22-24 chronicle the effect of God's judgment in the removal of vocation. Our callings in the Family ("the voice of bridegroom and bride"), in our Work ("the craftsman of any craft"), and in the Arts ("the sound of harpists . . ." etc.) have been revoked. All that is left is the blood of "the anonymous" (the heathen) and the blood of "the named" (the prophets and saints). What a precious reminder that our identity is found not in our work but in Christ. Vocation is temporary - Christ is forever.
I appreciate your final statement. While we have meaning in our vocations, that meaning is given by Christ. Therefore, we do not become slaves to what we do. As Ecclesiastes says, "all is meaningless under the sun." Yet under Christ, who is forever, our callings have meaning if only for a time.
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