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.” Daniel 2:47
Day 218 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith)
continues as I pause from Jeremiah and pivot to Daniel, as my commentary* indicates that "[w]hile Jeremiah is having his problems with Jehoiakim, several captives in Babylon are being singled out for duty in the king’s service....Among those chosen is a young man by the name of Daniel, who distinguishes himself by refusing to eat food or drink wine from Nebuchadnezzar’s royal table. For this act of faith Daniel and three others with him are exceptionally blessed by God. After three years of special training they enter the king’s service and are found to excel in understanding whenever Nebuchadnezzar inquires of them."
*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
This morning's reading, which focuses primarily on Daniel's ability to interpret a dream for Nebuchadnezzar includes several important takeaways:
Leaving aside how the new covenant with Jesus frees us from obedience to ceremonial law (see moral vs ceremonial law), Daniel takes a stand to avoid defiled food and we are to follow in Daniel's footsteps to avoid sin - even in the face of harm from others. Readers of Daniel know this comes up again in this book.
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Daniel 1:8
All skills and abilities we have come from God and we are to use these skills and abilities for God's glory.
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. Daniel 1:17
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” Daniel 2:20-23
As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else alive, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind. Daniel 2:30
Although my commentary* indicates that Nebuchadnezzar "is still not a full believer", he is nonetheless impressed by Daniel, who has allowed God to work through him.
The story of Daniel is similar to that of Joseph, who is taken captive yet still strives to glorify God in all that he does, regardless of the circumstances. I am convicted this morning how I far too often seek glory for myself on the job vs glory for God.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has done so much for me - despite my selfish ways...thank You Jesus! Thank You for Your rich mercy and compassion. I am not deserving of Your grace and mercy. I sin...selfishness and more. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
