“Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity” (Daniel 4:27 ESV)
After Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream, he boldly added advice that the king repent of sin and heed God’s warning. What a special relationship God had given Daniel with the king, that he could be so bold without the king’s reprisal! Yet, Nebuchadnezzer didn’t repent, and after a year went by, his nightmare became a reality. God humbled the prideful king.
I wonder why God chose to give this pagan Babylonian king such revelations? And why did God provide not only dreams, but also a faithful interpreter in Daniel? It reminds me of how God gave the Egyptian Pharaoh a dream, and then sent him Joseph to interpret it. What was God’s overarching purpose in giving such revelations to pagan kings and providing godly men to interpret them?
Perhaps it was at least twofold: 1) God revealed Himself to them that they might repent and believe. 2) God provided godly prophets to find favor with the pagan kings, so that God’s people might prosper even while exiled in a foreign land.
How might Daniel’s relationship with Nebuchadnezzar be applied to how we relate to worldly kings, presidents, governors and employers today?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we acknowledge that You are sovereign over kings and presidents, over nations and kingdoms, over even the whole creation of which You are Creator. We worship You and give You thanks. Help us to be like Daniel in speaking truth to power. For we are Your ambassadors. In Jesus’ name, amen.