Read Daniel 4:19-27
Banished from society to live like an animal doesn’t sound like a pleasant way to spend “seven periods of time.” We’re not told what a “period” was. This message may be speaking of days or years, and the ramifications would be so different.
Daniel didn’t want to share the message from the Most High God at first. Do you think he was afraid Nebuchadnezzar would retaliate in some way or have Daniel put to death? After all, Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful king, and he could make Daniel’s life miserable.
After being reassured by the king, Daniel spoke the message which was difficult to hear. Yet, we’re not told here how the king responded. Instead, Daniel pleas with the king to “stop sinning and do what is right.” Such an appeal only makes sense if the king understands what it means to sin.
The Most High God has chosen to give Nebuchadnezzar a wake up call. The time of reckoning is coming when God will cut Nebuchadnezzar down to size until he sets aside his own power, realizing that the Most High God reigns supreme.
From the different accounts Daniel shares with us in his book, we know God has an interest in Nebuchadnezzar. This isn’t the first time that God has revealed himself to a pagan king. Earlier in this chapter, that same king had made some pretty bold statements about God already.
We might think that King Nebuchadnezzar is “ripe for the picking” or ready to devote himself to the Most High God. Seeds have been planted. Messages from God have appeared in the king’s dreams. God is trying to get his attention it seems.
Do you think the king thought his dream’s meaning was absurd? He probably could not imagine himself eating like a cow. What does that even mean?
The last thing I’d like to reflect on a bit is how Daniel offers the king a suggestion. Daniel doesn’t directly reinforce faithfulness. Instead, he suggests works or doing good. This was meant for Nebuchadnezzar to please God not save him.
We know from the New Testament that works won’t save us. Ephesians 2:8-9 is pretty clear on that. It says, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” However, when we have an active faith, we want to do good and behave in ways that honor God. Faith comes first.
We’ll see how the king responds. How do you respond when God allows you to be humbled? When we get too full of ourselves or accomplishments, we can quickly lose sight of the Most High God. How are you scheduling your day so that you keep God in focus?
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for Daniel’s example of obedience to you despite his life circumstance. Having a steadfast faith like that is what I want for myself, too. I look forward to doing good things and being a good person because I want to glorify you. The motivation is so great because of your love and mercy. Thank you for guiding my steps each day. I depend on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
