Be a Daniel
Today’s reading: Daniel 4:1-6:28
My selection: Daniel 4:34-35
34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever,
for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;
35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
and he does according to his will among the host of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth;
and none can stay his hand
or say to him, “What have you done?”
My reflections: God showed grace and mercy to Nebuchadnezzar in giving him an explanation through Daniel so he could grasp what was going on in his life as he descended into madness. Nebuchadnezzar deserved more severe judgment but was allowed discipline and instruction. He proved a teachable disciple to Daniel.
As a result, Nebuchadnezzar correctly understood his punishment and responded wisely. He makes one of the most succinct statements about the sovereignty of God to be found anywhere. As we saw yesterday, Daniel knew the word of God and he conveyed it to this pupil, King Nebuchadnezzar.
My challenge: Daniel was fearless in telling Nebuchadnezzar the truth. Do you fear God more than men, even men of high rank and power who could condemn you to death if they chose? Know God well. Fear not man. Proclaim God’s truth. Be a Daniel.
Tomorrow’s reading: Daniel 7:1-9:27