The Revealer of Mysteries

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…..  “Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries….” Daniel 2:27,28 ESV

Have you ever had a dream that seemed to leave an impact but you couldn’t remember what it was? That seems to have been the case with King Nebuchadnezzar. He had a disturbing dream and wanted to know the meaning, but couldn’t remember the dream.

He made the impossible request of his “wise” men and enchanters. “Tell me the dream or heads will roll!” This story has a problem that only a great God could solve. The Babylonian advisers told the king,  “…There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter …” (Daniel 2:10 ESV) Not only is there no man on earth who can respond to such a request, no king in history of the earth has made such a ridiculous request.

Daniel in response made a big request to the Lord. But he called on his three Hebrew friends in the king’s palace to “agree” with him in prayer. The Lord gave Daniel a dream of the king’s dream and the meaning of it. Daniel’s response was an anthem of praise to the Lord. Daniel recognizes God’s all powerful, all wise nature and then declares,  I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you…” (Daniel 2:23 ESV) 

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is one of significance that captivates the minds and hearts of Bible scholars today. Daniel’s interpretation of the dream reveals that all earthly kingdoms serve a purpose and eventually come to an end. But there is a coming kingdom of the King of Kings that will one day come and it will never come to an end.

Isaiah prophesied about this king, “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” (Isaiah 9:7 NIV) The words of the angel to Mary reveal the One who is the fulfillment of those words, “…he [Jesus] will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:33 NIV)

In all of this I observe that Daniel reveals a humble spirit that is focused on giving God the glory. We see it in his praise response to the Lord’s revelation and we see it in his final words to the king, “A great God has made known to the king what shall be….” (Daniel 2:45 ESV)

He also was loyal to his friends. He sought their support and he helped secure their influence.  Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon.” (Daniel 2:49 ESV)

When we give glory to the Lord and look out for others, God takes carer of us, “….the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon…” (Daniel 2:48 ESV)

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You know the end from the beginning. You reveal to us what we need to know and when. We can relax and trust Your sovereign control over the affairs of the world knowing that Your kingdom is the one that will endure forever.