Neb’s Nightmare
(Daniel 1:1-20; 2:1-49)
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream
Today’s reading from The Daily Bible recounts the beginning of Daniel’s story. Daniel and the three other fine young men were hand-picked to serve in the court of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to eat the king’s meat, and the royal courtiers frowned upon them for it.
But the Lord was honored by their faithfulness and fortitude.
King Nebuchadnezzar had a remarkable dream, and he asked the Babylonian magicians and wise men to interpret his reverie. They could not do so. Nebuchadnezzar ordered that all of the seers and sorcerers be killed.
Finally, Nebuchadnezzar asked Daniel about the dream.
What did Daniel do first?
Before Daniel even met with the king, he met with the King of Kings. He prayed for the Lord to grant him wisdom and insight. He enlisted the prayer support of the other three young men: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
The Lord answered Daniel and gave him a vision in the night.
Confidently, Daniel approached King Nebuchadnezzar with the answer to his daunting dream. First, of course, Daniel pointed out that the message came directly from the Lord, rather than any special magic or abilities. Daniel gave all glory to God.
Daniel explained King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream about the giant warrior statue, describing how the vision pertained to ruling kingdoms to come.
What answers do we need from the Lord today? What insights might He want to reveal to us? What secrets does God desire to share, if we will only ask?
Will you pray with me?
Sovereign One,
You alone hold the mysteries of the universe,
Beyond the reaches of time
And above what human minds can comprehend.
Help us to learn to listen
To Your voice.
Grant us wisdom and insight
To understand
The secrets You choose to share
With us.
Amen.
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