Daniel (3) - Wednesday 4th June 2008

We continue looking at the book of Daniel.

Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that got to him. He wanted to know the meaning of it and to ensure that his astrologers didn’t make up an interpretation he wouldn’t tell them what the dream was. For motivation he said that if they couldn’t tell him what the dream was and what it meant then he would kill them, cut them into small pieces and have their houses knocked down. I have had some bad bosses in my time but that takes the biscuit.

The astrologers, unsurprisingly, are unable to comply and the king in his anger demands the death of all his wise men. The first Daniel hears about this is when guards come to kill him. He persuades the king to give him time and then, with his friends, earnestly prays. During the night God tells Daniel the dream and its meaning.

Imagine, if this was you, how you would tell the king in the morning. Would you rush in saying, “It’s okay, don’t kill us, I have the answer.” Or would you walk pompously in and declare, “I have the answer, I am wise and insightful.” What Daniel said showed both great courage and great humility. Daniel 2:26-28 reads,
The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), "Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?"
Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come.”
The challenge to us is to turn people’s attention to God whatever the risk, however humbling at every opportunity we get.

Do see what our team have been doing at Casa Re-OM in Beira Mozambique, visit their blog daily: http://casareom2008.blogspot.com