Daniel 2:1-23
Wednesday, 04 December 2024
“And HE changes the times and the seasons…” -Daniel 2:21
Daniel was an advisor to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon during the exile when these events took place. The king was troubled with some dreams he could not make sense of, and had the astrologers, magicians, sorcerers, wise men stand before him to tell him the dream as well as its interpretation. Needless to say-this was not just a difficult task but near to impossible!
The king’s decree for not complying with his request was execution. Daniel and his companions, who were also counselors to the king, would fall into the same fate. But Daniel was not perturbed- he and his companions prayed and sought the LORD earnestly- the King of kings revealed to Daniel the earthly king’s dream and its interpretation in a vision.
Crises Reveal Character: -how would Daniel and his friends cope in this perplexing situation? David, in the midst of his crises wrote: "My times are in Your hands...” (Psalm 31:15). It is only the unflinching trust and faith in GOD that He is in perfect control of our lives and circumstances that can help us keep our head high in troublesome times. Daniel exalted the LORD Almighty for His timely intervention! Daniel understood that it is GOD who is in control of the times and events in history. He is the Revealer of mysteries; HE who has wisdom and power, gave wisdom to Daniel and revealed to him what was asked of Him. Daniel thanked God even ahead of meeting with king Nebuchadnezzar.
Looking around us, we can feel perplexed at the course of events in the world— extreme weather patterns, disturbing incidents, political upheavals in our countries or elsewhere; but we have to keep our firm confidence in GOD who is in perfect control of it all. The rise and fall of nations, kings, presidents, and ministers should not come to us as surprise as we know from the Word of God: "No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another” (Psalm 75:6,7). "God brings down rulers and turns them into nothing.” (Isa.40:23 CEV).
The Bible says in Rom.13:2(CEV): "Only God can give authority to anyone, and he puts these rulers in their places of power.” Every authority/ruler/government whether Christian or otherwise, is in that position because GOD has allowed it! This gives us hope and strength when we are under the authority of tough governments and oppressive rulers. This applies also to every other authority in our life- be it in the home, at institutions or place of work. Instead of resisting them or holding a grudge against them, the Lord expects us to see them as people placed there by His consent and purpose and hence submit to them (Romans 13:1). HE accomplishes His will through them.
On the global scale, we need to have the perspective that God is orchestrating the current events in the world, moving them towards the Second Coming of His Son, Jesus Christ to culminate in the ultimate rule and reign of His Kingdom. Let us understand that like Daniel we too are placed in different places, positions— some strategic—to pray, to give counsel and be aware of things happening around us and work as the Lord allows us. May the LORD enable us to pray for the authorities in our countries and those we are residing in, that God’s will be done through them. May we also learn to trust Him with our lives in all seasons!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I understand that You are in perfect control of every event in my life and those around me- help me to trust You in good times and bad that You are working everything according to Your plan and will. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Listen: 'Everlasting'
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