Calling and Purpose 48--Daniel Speaks Truth to Power
[Read Calling and Purpose: Daniel and Captivity and God Gives Daniel Wisdom and Courage]
As we encounter King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel Chapter 4, contrary to character and practice, he is praising the Most High God for His miraculous signs and wonders—acknowledging God’s eternal kingdom. We then learn why—he has been abased and then restored.
As the story unfolds, the king was recounting being terrified by dreams sent from God, reliant again on Daniel for interpretation. As before, the Lord gives Daniel the ability to interpret the king’s dream—but Daniel is alarmed by the meaning and by having to deliver such a hard message to such an unpredictable man. We are told that Daniel is “greatly perplexed for a time” and “his thoughts terrified him.” In spite of this, he delivers the interpretation: the great, strong king would be “cut down” by the Most High God and experience seven seasons of madness until he acknowledges “that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” Once the king acknowledges God as Lord, his kingdom will be restored.
Daniel then boldly advises and pleads with the king: “Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.” Apparently, the king does not take Daniel’s advice. We are told that a year later, the king was still reveling in his own power and glory when God takes it all away from him. He suffers the seven years of insanity. “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.” The king’s throne is restored.
This, we learn, is why Chapter 4 begins with the king praising the God of heaven. He finally, at least in this moment, gets it: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”
Reflect:
· Can you recall a time when you knew you needed to deliver a truthful assessment to someone in power, knowing that the message would not be well-received? How did that go?
· What do you do when you are “greatly perplexed” and when your “thoughts terrify” you? Is prayer your first response, asking the Lord for calm, wisdom, and courage to do what needs to be done?
· Have you ever been so bold as to speak “renounce your sins” “do what is right” “renounce your wickedness” “be kind to the oppressed” or similar to someone in power? Has your warning/advice been heeded/followed?
· This is a story of a fall from power…and eventual restoration because of humility. Take stock of your own humility. How does worship of the Most High God keep your pride in check?
Additional Resources:
• Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been Equipping Ministries Director at her church since 1999.
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