Crumbs 67

 

This contains some thoughts on Daniel 4:1-27

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 67

A Royal Warning

Scripture Daniel 4:13-17New International Version13 “In the visions I saw while lying in bed, I looked, and there before me was a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven. 14 He called in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches. 15 But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field.“‘Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. 16 Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times pass by for him.17 “‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.’

Crumbs The first four chapters of Daniel could well be named “ God shapes Nebuchadnezzar.” Its climax is in chapter 4 which consists of a dream, its interpretation and its fulfillment. We use the word “ dream “ in two ways, as something we would aim at and images seen in sleep. It’s the second one that concerns us here. I do not know what part dreams should play in my spiritual development. Does God use them today?

God changed the heart of Nebuchadnezzar so he is pleased to tell of this humiliating experience. A simple testimony is what God requires of us, not a sophisticated theological argument. First in the dream is not of a tree but a holy messenger, God’s stamp is on this personal communication.

I am amazed at the boldness with which Daniel speaks truth to power. notwithstanding Nebuchadnezzar had asked him. Daniel does not like what he knows, wants it otherwise but he faces the challenge. Threats are often intensified by evasion. It is best to confront the them.

I am amazed that this dream was ever sent. Was it God’s good grace longing that Nebuchadnezzar would turn to to Him without the awful suffering of a break down? Yet within this stern warning there are elements of hope, of restoration and ultimate joy . Hope is ever a strand in God’s dealing with us.

Questions 1.What is the main lesson God teaching you using your life? 2. What should our attitude to dreams be? 3. When should Christians speak truth to power ?