
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 2:36-39, 44-45; 3:1-2
Daniel 2:36-39, 44-45; 3:1-2
Tue, 21 March 2023
Godās History or Your History?
Observation:
What is the difference between the statue in Nebuchadnezzarās dream
(Dan 2:31-33, 38) and the statue that Nebuchadnezzar made (Dan 3:1)?
Deeper Reflection
Nebuchadnezzarās dream troubled him so much that he had sleepless nights (Dan 2:1). And he was so desperate to know its true meaning that he made an unreasonable demand on his wise men that was impossible to meet, and he would destroy them all should they fail in the task (Dan 2:5, 10-12). But now that Daniel had made known to him both the content and the meaning of his dream, it was a great relief ā given by God ā for the king.After that, Nebuchadnezzar āmade a statue (selem 22 ) of goldā (Dan 3:1). God had revealed to Nebuchadnezzar in his dream His plan of world history, which is symbolised by āa single great statue (selem)ā (Dan 2:31). The statue is made up of a golden head, silver arms, bronze thighs, and iron legs with feet made up of a mixture of iron and clay (Dan 2:32-33). God said to Nebuchadnezzar clearly: āYou are the head of goldā (v.39). But Nebuchadnezzar rejected Godās plan of world history. He did not want to be just a āhead of goldā. He wanted to be a āstatue of goldā! God said to him, āAfter you there will arise another kingdomā, symbolised by the silver arms (v.39). As a āstatue of goldā, there is no such thing as āafter youā for Nebuchadnezzar. And the shattering stone outside human control, representing Godās everlasting Kingdom (vv.44-45), was ignored and forgotten. Nebuchadnezzar the āstatue of goldā was resisting the supreme kingship of God. What foolish and futile arrogance!Do you want Godās history for your life or do you want to write your own history?
Nebuchadnezzarās dream troubled him so much that he had sleepless nights (Dan 2:1). And he was so desperate to know its true meaning that he made an unreasonable demand on his wise men that was impossible to meet, and he would destroy them all should they fail in the task (Dan 2:5, 10-12). But now that Daniel had made known to him both the content and the meaning of his dream, it was a great relief ā given by God ā for the king.After that, Nebuchadnezzar āmade a statue (selem 22 ) of goldā (Dan 3:1). God had revealed to Nebuchadnezzar in his dream His plan of world history, which is symbolised by āa single great statue (selem)ā (Dan 2:31). The statue is made up of a golden head, silver arms, bronze thighs, and iron legs with feet made up of a mixture of iron and clay (Dan 2:32-33). God said to Nebuchadnezzar clearly: āYou are the head of goldā (v.39). But Nebuchadnezzar rejected Godās plan of world history. He did not want to be just a āhead of goldā. He wanted to be a āstatue of goldā! God said to him, āAfter you there will arise another kingdomā, symbolised by the silver arms (v.39). As a āstatue of goldā, there is no such thing as āafter youā for Nebuchadnezzar. And the shattering stone outside human control, representing Godās everlasting Kingdom (vv.44-45), was ignored and forgotten. Nebuchadnezzar the āstatue of goldā was resisting the supreme kingship of God. What foolish and futile arrogance!Do you want Godās history for your life or do you want to write your own history?
22 In Aramaic
Application:
How do I deal with my not wanting to be just a āhead of goldā but a āstatue
of goldā?
Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
- Give thanks and praise
- Pray for pastors and staff: To be highly conscious of Godās story in their lives
- Pray for significant people
- Pray for those in need
- Pray for self