Calling and Purpose 47—God Gives Daniel Wisdom and Courage
[Read Calling and Purpose: Daniel and Captivity]
The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar was a harsh despot and one who threatened death and destruction if those around him didn’t do as he asked—even in the extreme—and ruled, not infrequently, in fury. He was also one to consult “magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers” to interpret his troubled dreams. He even goes so far as to demand that these “wise” men first tell him what he dreamed and then provide the meaning. They are unable to do so.
At this point, Daniel is lumped into this category of the “wise men of Babylon” whom Nebuchadnezzar orders to be executed without exception. Daniel has the presence of mind, wisdom, and clearly the influence with the commander of the king’s guard to ask for the reasons (Daniel having not been present for the failed dream-interpretation scenario), pointing out the harshness of the decree. He also has the courage, boldness, and earned ability to approach a furious king—whose execution decree has clearly not been completely carried out—and ask for more time, promising an interpretation of the dream.
Daniel returns to his support system—his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He asks them to pray—first for God’s mercy so they might not lose their lives, then for the Lord to act. God answers that prayer with the revelation of the mysterious dream and its interpretation. Daniel’s response? Praise:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.
23 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.”
Prayer changes everything. “deep and hidden things” are revealed to Daniel and his friends. Wisdom and power are given to Daniel.
Daniel then tells the king’s commander not to carry out the king’s execution order (bold, earned influence), and the commander has enough trust in Daniel that when he takes Daniel to the king, he says, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can tell the king what his dream means.”
When presented to the king, Daniel first gives credit where credit is due—to God: “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” and then Daniel proceeds to recount the king’s dream, followed by the interpretation.
Daniel is given a glimpse into the future, and the kingdoms that will follow King Nebuchadnezzar’s—including that of the Messiah: “…the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed…it will itself endure forever. “
The result? Arrogant, tyrannical, authoritarian King Nebuchadnezzar prostrates himself, honoring Daniel, saying “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.”
Because of Daniel’s boldness and faithfulness and prayer—and God’s intervention, the king promotes Daniel to an even higher position—serving in the royal court as ruler over the entire province of Babylon and supervisor over all wise men in the kingdom. Daniel’s next move? He requests appointments for his friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (aka Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah)—who become administrators over the province of Babylon.
Reflect:
· Have you been on the receiving end of a “punishment” or reprimand that was meant for others—or was a result of another’s incompetence?
· Can you recall a time when God gave you presence of mind, wisdom, and influence to ask for a fair hearing?
· Can you recall a time when the Lord provided you with courage and boldness to help calm a tense situation?
· Where are you earning the right to be heard day-by-day, building trust one moment and one person at a time—such that you might speak into a later situation with positive impact?
· Who is your Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (your Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah)?
· Consider crafting a prayer along the lines of that of Daniel in Chapter 2 verses 20-23. What deep and hidden thing, perhaps something that lies in darkness, do you need the Lord to reveal to you—to shed His light on?
· When you are given wisdom, how often do you give God the credit?
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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