Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that is interpreted for him by Daniel. Basically, God is telling the king that if he doesn't acknowledge that everything he has is from God, then the king will become insane and live like an animal, eating grass and being soaked with dew until he gives glory to God. Daniel advises the king to renounce his sins and be kind to the oppressed so that this punishment will not fall upon him.
I find it so strange that after all Nebuchadnezzar has witnessed from God - Daniel's interpretations of his dream, Daniel's friends being spared in the fiery furnace - he still won't acknowledge that God is supreme and in control of everything.
Of course, Nebuchadnezzar does not humble himself, and God's punishment falls upon him. When the king finally raises his eyes to heaven and gives God the glory, his kingdom is restored to him. He writes a letter to all the people of all the nations declaring that God reigns supreme over all.
It is easy to judge Nebuchadnezzar for his lack of faith, but how many times do I forget that God is supreme. I go about my life until something bad happens, then I pray and ask God for help. He helps, I say thank you, then I move on and forget about Him until the next crisis. Lord, help me to remember always that You are in control. You are God. You reign supreme. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. Help me not forget to praise you at all times.
Showing posts with label Daniel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daniel. Show all posts
Monday, 14 January 2008
Thursday, 10 January 2008
On Daniel 3 - Paradox of Faith
"King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon... Then the herald loudly proclaimed, 'This is what you are commanded to do, O peoples, nations and men of every language: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, you must fall down adn worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.'" (vv. 1, 4, 5)
I find it so strange that after King Nebuchadnezzar had just hailed Daniel's God as supreme, he set up an image of someone else and ordered the people to worship it and declared that they would be thrown into a furnace if they refused. Had he forgotten God's dream and interpretation?
Nebuchadnezzar summons Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to him when he learns that they will not worship the statue. He offers them one more chance to do so before he throws them into the furnace. Now here's the funny part: He says, "'Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?'" (v. 15) What God indeed? Hadn't he told Daniel that his God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings? (2:37) I'm still incredulous that he had forgotten.
But it is another time that God revealed His sovereignty. The three men said, "'we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not... we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (vv. 17, 18) I love this. Look at their faith. They KNOW that God is capable of saving them. They also know that He may choose not to, but they still trust that if He doesn't, there is a reason for it, and they'll serve Him anyway.
WHAT FAITH! Oh, Lord, give me that kind of faith. I'm so afraid to go through the fire because I don't like suffering. Help me trust that You are working Your perfect will and plan for the good (not necessarily of myself, but for Your glory) in the midst of my trials. Help me be willing to sacrifice for Your glory. I think that's my biggest problem with allowing God to work. I know in my head that everything is going to be for good, but I'm not willing to be part of the sacrifice it may take. I already lost my dad because of that.
Way back before we had discovered that my dad had cancer, I prayed that God would do whatever it took for my parents to come to know Him - to remove what was preventing them from accepting His salvation and to give them whatever they needed to accept it. Well, He answered my prayer in a doozy of a way, and I never expected it. He took away my dad. My mom relied on my dad and my dad relied on himself. So God took that away. It was for the best in hindsight. My dad is now in Heaven, and I know that I'll see him again one day. But I still struggle to pray those really big faith prayers for fear of what I could lose. I still miss my dad terribly. I wouldn't trade his eternity in Heaven for more time with him here on earth, but I'm afraid of losing more people that I love if I pray those big prayers.
I don't know if that makes any sense, but I know that God is not going to work really big things in my life until I am willing to surrender everything to Him. I have to be willing to lose everything for His glory, and I'm not there yet. But I want to be.
I know in my head that being willing to surrender everything doesn't mean that God is going to take it away. I know He wants to bless me and have a fulfilling, beautiful life. I'm just so afraid that He's going to take more people away from me (even though I know that's not the kind of God He is.) It's such a struggle. Please help me, Lord. Increase my faith. Move my head knowledge into my heart.
I find it so strange that after King Nebuchadnezzar had just hailed Daniel's God as supreme, he set up an image of someone else and ordered the people to worship it and declared that they would be thrown into a furnace if they refused. Had he forgotten God's dream and interpretation?
Nebuchadnezzar summons Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to him when he learns that they will not worship the statue. He offers them one more chance to do so before he throws them into the furnace. Now here's the funny part: He says, "'Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?'" (v. 15) What God indeed? Hadn't he told Daniel that his God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings? (2:37) I'm still incredulous that he had forgotten.
But it is another time that God revealed His sovereignty. The three men said, "'we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not... we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (vv. 17, 18) I love this. Look at their faith. They KNOW that God is capable of saving them. They also know that He may choose not to, but they still trust that if He doesn't, there is a reason for it, and they'll serve Him anyway.
WHAT FAITH! Oh, Lord, give me that kind of faith. I'm so afraid to go through the fire because I don't like suffering. Help me trust that You are working Your perfect will and plan for the good (not necessarily of myself, but for Your glory) in the midst of my trials. Help me be willing to sacrifice for Your glory. I think that's my biggest problem with allowing God to work. I know in my head that everything is going to be for good, but I'm not willing to be part of the sacrifice it may take. I already lost my dad because of that.
Way back before we had discovered that my dad had cancer, I prayed that God would do whatever it took for my parents to come to know Him - to remove what was preventing them from accepting His salvation and to give them whatever they needed to accept it. Well, He answered my prayer in a doozy of a way, and I never expected it. He took away my dad. My mom relied on my dad and my dad relied on himself. So God took that away. It was for the best in hindsight. My dad is now in Heaven, and I know that I'll see him again one day. But I still struggle to pray those really big faith prayers for fear of what I could lose. I still miss my dad terribly. I wouldn't trade his eternity in Heaven for more time with him here on earth, but I'm afraid of losing more people that I love if I pray those big prayers.
I don't know if that makes any sense, but I know that God is not going to work really big things in my life until I am willing to surrender everything to Him. I have to be willing to lose everything for His glory, and I'm not there yet. But I want to be.
I know in my head that being willing to surrender everything doesn't mean that God is going to take it away. I know He wants to bless me and have a fulfilling, beautiful life. I'm just so afraid that He's going to take more people away from me (even though I know that's not the kind of God He is.) It's such a struggle. Please help me, Lord. Increase my faith. Move my head knowledge into my heart.
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
On Daniel 2 - God's Sovereignty
After God revealed to Daniel what Nebuchadnezzar's dream was, Daniel went to the executioner and asked him to bring Daniel to the king. I find it interesting that when the king asks Daniel, "Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?" (v. 26), Daniel responds by saying, "No wise man, enchanter, magician, or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about," (v. 27.) When his life is on the line, wouldn't his first response be YES! But even in this dire situation, Daniel gives the credit and glory to God. "But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come." (v. 28).
Daniel goes on to explain the king's dream to him. When he is finished, "King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, 'Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.'" (vv. 46 - 47)
God used this situation to glorify Himself. Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful ruler in the world at the time, and he acknowledged that God was supreme. What a testimony to the people. Their king worshiped the Lord. What else would they do? Daniel and his friends were given high positions in the kingdom. God had established Himself within the kingdom of Babylon through the faith of his servant Daniel.
What more can I do but to acknowledge the Lord among men and seek Him in all things, especially when things are difficult. I also need to remember to give Him the credit and praise when He helps me through those tough times.
Daniel goes on to explain the king's dream to him. When he is finished, "King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, 'Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.'" (vv. 46 - 47)
God used this situation to glorify Himself. Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful ruler in the world at the time, and he acknowledged that God was supreme. What a testimony to the people. Their king worshiped the Lord. What else would they do? Daniel and his friends were given high positions in the kingdom. God had established Himself within the kingdom of Babylon through the faith of his servant Daniel.
What more can I do but to acknowledge the Lord among men and seek Him in all things, especially when things are difficult. I also need to remember to give Him the credit and praise when He helps me through those tough times.
Tuesday, 8 January 2008
On Daniel 2
One night, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. "His mind was troubled and he could not sleep." (v. 1) How many times has this happened to me? I lie awake going over and over things in my mind. No matter how tired I am, I just can't sleep! Sometimes God just wants to tell me something, as He was trying to tell Nebuchadnezzar something. If I will just stop and listen to Him or do what He is asking me to do, peace will come.
"The king replied to the astrologers, 'This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces, and your houses turned into piles of rubble.'" (v. 5) This seems a bit severe! Imagine having a sleep-deprived dictator tell you that if you don't tell him what he just dreamed about and what it means, he will not only kill you, but cut you into pieces and destroy your home (not that you would care after you've been cut into pieces!). Those servants must have been shaking! I think it's funny how they handled it. They nervously replied, "Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will interpret it." (v. 7) Do you think their voices were quivering? I think mine would have been!
I like how God used this to glorify Himself and help the king see He is the only God. The astrologers set things up nicely when they responded, "Who one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among men." (v. 11) Don't they? There is One who does, as He is about to reveal! (But not before the king, in his anger, orders the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. Unfortunately, this included Daniel and his friends, who weren't there at the time.)
When the commander of the king's guard showed up at Daniel's place to execute him, Daniel, of course, asks "with wisdom and tact" (v. 14) what's going on. Again, God is in control, and the king allows Daniel some time to interpret his dream. Daniel and his friends "plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon." (v. 18) Daniel and his friends are the only ones who turn to God. Even the wise men, who said that the gods could reveal the dream to the king, did not turn to their gods. How hopeless and depressing is it to believe in gods you don't feel comfortable turning to in your time of need?
And of course, God, being the sovereign, holy, wonderful God He is, revealed the dream to Daniel in a vision. And what is Daniel's response? "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His..." (v. 20). This prayer of praise and thanksgiving goes on until verse 23. How often do wonderful things happen in my life, and I forget to thank God? I am usually pretty quick to turn to Him when I'm in trouble, but when the trouble's gone, my tendency is to forget to thank God for His help. I need to follow Daniel's example instead.
"The king replied to the astrologers, 'This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces, and your houses turned into piles of rubble.'" (v. 5) This seems a bit severe! Imagine having a sleep-deprived dictator tell you that if you don't tell him what he just dreamed about and what it means, he will not only kill you, but cut you into pieces and destroy your home (not that you would care after you've been cut into pieces!). Those servants must have been shaking! I think it's funny how they handled it. They nervously replied, "Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will interpret it." (v. 7) Do you think their voices were quivering? I think mine would have been!
I like how God used this to glorify Himself and help the king see He is the only God. The astrologers set things up nicely when they responded, "Who one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among men." (v. 11) Don't they? There is One who does, as He is about to reveal! (But not before the king, in his anger, orders the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. Unfortunately, this included Daniel and his friends, who weren't there at the time.)
When the commander of the king's guard showed up at Daniel's place to execute him, Daniel, of course, asks "with wisdom and tact" (v. 14) what's going on. Again, God is in control, and the king allows Daniel some time to interpret his dream. Daniel and his friends "plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon." (v. 18) Daniel and his friends are the only ones who turn to God. Even the wise men, who said that the gods could reveal the dream to the king, did not turn to their gods. How hopeless and depressing is it to believe in gods you don't feel comfortable turning to in your time of need?
And of course, God, being the sovereign, holy, wonderful God He is, revealed the dream to Daniel in a vision. And what is Daniel's response? "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His..." (v. 20). This prayer of praise and thanksgiving goes on until verse 23. How often do wonderful things happen in my life, and I forget to thank God? I am usually pretty quick to turn to Him when I'm in trouble, but when the trouble's gone, my tendency is to forget to thank God for His help. I need to follow Daniel's example instead.
Monday, 7 January 2008
On Daniel 1 - God is in Control
God is leading me to Daniel this month. It seems a strange place to re-ignite my spiritual walk. I was thinking that He would have me read one of the gospels or the epistles. Why an Old Testament book of prophecy? I questioned this all morning until I started reading today. God knows what He's doing (was there any doubt?).
Why do bad things happen? There are a myriad of reasons. But no matter what happens, God is always in control of the situation. He allows challenges to happen to us to increase our faith, shape us into His image, force us to trust Him, teach others that He is sovereign, as punishment for our sin. These are but a few reasons I found just reading the first chapter of Daniel.
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, beseiged Jerusalem in about 605 B.C. Daniel 1:2 says, "And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand." Why would God deliver the king of His nation into the hand of the enemy? Because of Jehoiakim's disobedience. This shows that nothing happens without God's hand in it. God was still in control of the situation, even though it seemed hopeless. This was punishment for the disobedience of His people - which they had been warned about (see Isaiah).
Again, God shows He is in control in verses 8 - 9 when Daniel asks for permission not to eat the royal food and wine. Verse 9 says, "Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel." God is still guiding events to work out according to His ultimate plan.
Daniel and his friends were healthier eating vegetables and water than those who were eating the royal food. God takes care of our bodies and our spiritual well-being. He allowed Daniel the opportunity to eat food that was good for him.
God again showed His sovereignty in the successes of Daniel and his friends. "In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom" (v. 20). Even in His people's captivity, God shows He is in control and is far superior to any other "god".
Why do bad things happen? There are a myriad of reasons. But no matter what happens, God is always in control of the situation. He allows challenges to happen to us to increase our faith, shape us into His image, force us to trust Him, teach others that He is sovereign, as punishment for our sin. These are but a few reasons I found just reading the first chapter of Daniel.
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, beseiged Jerusalem in about 605 B.C. Daniel 1:2 says, "And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand." Why would God deliver the king of His nation into the hand of the enemy? Because of Jehoiakim's disobedience. This shows that nothing happens without God's hand in it. God was still in control of the situation, even though it seemed hopeless. This was punishment for the disobedience of His people - which they had been warned about (see Isaiah).
Again, God shows He is in control in verses 8 - 9 when Daniel asks for permission not to eat the royal food and wine. Verse 9 says, "Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel." God is still guiding events to work out according to His ultimate plan.
Daniel and his friends were healthier eating vegetables and water than those who were eating the royal food. God takes care of our bodies and our spiritual well-being. He allowed Daniel the opportunity to eat food that was good for him.
God again showed His sovereignty in the successes of Daniel and his friends. "In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom" (v. 20). Even in His people's captivity, God shows He is in control and is far superior to any other "god".
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