“Now in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; and his spirit was so troubled that his sleep left him. Then the king gave the command to call the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So, they came and stood before the king. And the king said to them, ‘I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to know the dream’ ” (Daniel 2:1-3).
Imagine having your boss, your teacher or even the President of the United States falling prostrate before you and giving praise to God Almighty regarding some service you had performed on behalf of the Lord. That would be awesome, wouldn’t it? That is what happened to Daniel!
As Daniel continues to serve before Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, during this dark period of the history of God’s people as they had been taken captive by the Babylonians Daniel 1:1-2, 20-21), the Babylonian king is troubled by a dream which he has had (Daniel 2:1). He desperately wanted someone to interpret his dream, but no one could. In his frustration, the king begins killing the wise men of Babylon (Daniel 2:12-13). When Daniel discovers the king’s decree regarding this, he asks for a little time to give himself a chance to petition God regarding the king’s dream (Daniel 2:13-18).
Previously, God had given Daniel the ability to understand visions and dreams (Daniel 1:17). As God reveals Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to Daniel, Daniel reacts by glorifying God in His heart and words: “Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So, Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said: ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.’ ” (Daniel 2:19-22).
Following God’s revealing the dream and its interpretation to him, Daniel is brought before the king, where Daniel acknowledges no man can reveal the king’s dream and interpretation (Daniel 2:24-27). However, Daniel then adds, “But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days…’ ” (Daniel 2:26-28). As Daniel reveals the dream and its interpretation to Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:29-45), Daniel does not take the glory for this feat for himself. Instead, he glorifies God before the king by reminding the king that “there is a God in heaven” who has revealed the dream and interpretation to Daniel (Daniel 2:28).
Notice the king’s reaction to these events: “Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, prostrate before Daniel, and commanded that they should present an offering and incense to him. The king answered Daniel, and said, ‘Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret’ ” (Daniel 2:46-47). Daniel’s example and actions before the great king of Babylon resulted in Nebuchadnezzar falling before him glorifying God!
Today, as I go to work, school, or even help around the house, what will my actions and example lead others to want to do? Will others want to glorify God because I conduct myself with honor and give glory to God for any, and all, accomplishments I may experience; or, will those around me question whether there is a God because I fail to set the example I should? Today, I will follow the powerful example of Daniel and strive to cause others to glorify God as they see Christ living in me!
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).