Week of February 5, 2023 (Daniel 4: Learning the Hard Way)
From the time we are born, we begin to learn by trial and error. Our brains are wired to repeat the actions that bring pleasure or success, and avoid those actions that bring pain or failure. Similarly, we see God use this very technique with people throughout the Bible. For example, in Daniel 4, King Nebuchadnezzar has another strange dream that he needs Daniel to interpret. In this dream, God sends a warning to the king that he needs to acknowledge that his success and that of his kingdom are all due to the God of heaven. If he does not, he will end up in a heap of trouble! Even though the message is clear, the king doesn’t learn until the hard things come to pass. Even though we as humans may not be driven to act and live like an animal, at times God uses difficult experiences to teach us humility, and remind us that he is God and we are not.
Monday, February 6
In Daniel chapter 4, Nebuchadnezzar starts things off by narrating and giving glory to God right out the gate. In this moment he seems relatable because he tells us the disturbing dream he had. Because of the disturbing nature of his dream, he turns to his advisors, wise men, etc.
Do we do the same? Do we have trusted people who we turn to when we’re disturbed? Do we seek wise counsel?
How did Nebuchadnezzar choose who he would trust? How should we?
Tuesday, February 7
King Nebuchadnezzar is speaking in this chapter. He describes himself as “contented and prosperous.” As a powerful king, you wouldn’t expect him to think differently. However, he also says that a dream he had made him afraid, and once again he calls on Daniel to interpret the dream no one else could.
King Nebuchadnezzar’s wealth and power did not protect him from experiencing fear and ultimately the results of his pride. What are some areas in your life that you tend to trust in or rely on instead of God?
How does God redirect us when we take our eyes off of him and put our trust in things rather than in him? How does the grace and forgiveness that Jesus brought change the way God deals with us today when we lose focus on him?
Wednesday, February 8
In the beginning of the book of Daniel, the Israelites were living a comfortable life in their kingdom. For years, God had warned them about their comfortable lifestyle that was not honoring Him. When they didn’t listen, they were taken over by Babylon and exiled from Jerusalem.
The same thing that happened to the Israelites happened to Nebuchadnezzar. These two kingdoms, Israel and Nebuchadnezzar, made choices to not honor God. They lived how they wanted and worshiped what they wanted. They presume to have agency over their life. But ultimately, the High God rules human kingdoms. So, just like the Israelites being “chopped down” and exiled, God repeats a “chopping down” lesson with Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel and his friends in exile, submit to their new position and authority with awareness that ultimately God arranges kingdom affairs.
How well do we submit to God’s arrangement of our kingdoms?
In what ways are we acting like God is the author of our lives, or do we act like we are the authors?
In what ways do we credit ourselves with the success and prosperity of our lives?
Do we give God sufficient credit when we say things like “I’m #blessed”?
Thursday, February 9
Twelve whole months. That’s how long it would take for God’s judgment upon King Nebuchadnezzar to come to fruition. But rather than renounce his sins as Daniel recommended, Nebuchadnezzar over that period of time built, “the great Babylon,” and takes full credit for his power and wealth. God gave Nebuchadnezzar space and time to repent and humble himself. Now, Nebuchadnezzar didn’t utilize the space God provided and I’m sure there are times when we’ve done the same.
When has God provided you space to bring your focus back to Him? How did you respond?
Sometimes God gives us space and time through silence. How do you handle God’s silence? Why do we struggle so much with silence?
Friday, February 10
Throughout the Bible, God’s people are reminded and commanded to humble themselves and to exhibit humility. What does this actually mean? A simple explanation of humility is from John Piper, an American theologian, who says it means “to think, feel, and act in a way that shows I am not God.” In Proverbs 16: 18-19, we read “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.” We see this warning played out in Daniel 4. While this message was for King Nebuchadnezzar, it is a good reminder for us today.
Why is humility so difficult for us as humans?
How do you acknowledge “that the Most High is sovereign over all” in your daily life?
Saturday, February 11
The central portion of the book of Daniel (most of chapters 2-7) is written in Aramaic, a common language across the ancient Near East for the better part of four centuries. In these chapters, we see repeated themes of the God of Israel humbling the powerful, evoking praise from pagan kings, and bringing about victory for his faithful followers. So why do we find this highly unusual use of foreign language in the Hebrew scriptures?
Like the nation of ancient Israel, we tend to forget our calling and purpose for the rest of the world. What helps you to stay focused on the mission?
Borne out of captivity and oppression, the structure and language of Daniel’s book reminds us that we can look past our circumstances for opportunities to bless others. How can difficult circumstances enable us to be a light to those around us?