
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
Godâs History or Your History?
Observation:
What is the difference between the statue in Nebuchadnezzarâs dream
(Dan 2:31-33, 38) and the statue that Nebuchadnezzar made (Dan 3:1)?
Deeper Reflection
Nebuchadnezzarâs 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 â given by God â for the king.After that, Nebuchadnezzar âmade a statue (selem 22 ) of goldâ (Dan 3:1). God had revealed to Nebuchadnezzar in his dream His plan of world history, which is symbolised by âa single great statue (selem)â (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: âYou are the head of goldâ (v.39). But Nebuchadnezzar rejected Godâs plan of world history. He did not want to be just a âhead of goldâ. He wanted to be a âstatue of goldâ! God said to him, âAfter you there will arise another kingdomâ, symbolised by the silver arms (v.39). As a âstatue of goldâ, there is no such thing as âafter youâ for Nebuchadnezzar. And the shattering stone outside human control, representing Godâs everlasting Kingdom (vv.44-45), was ignored and forgotten. Nebuchadnezzar the âstatue of goldâ was resisting the supreme kingship of God. What foolish and futile arrogance!Do you want Godâs history for your life or do you want to write your own history?
Nebuchadnezzarâs 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 â given by God â for the king.After that, Nebuchadnezzar âmade a statue (selem 22 ) of goldâ (Dan 3:1). God had revealed to Nebuchadnezzar in his dream His plan of world history, which is symbolised by âa single great statue (selem)â (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: âYou are the head of goldâ (v.39). But Nebuchadnezzar rejected Godâs plan of world history. He did not want to be just a âhead of goldâ. He wanted to be a âstatue of goldâ! God said to him, âAfter you there will arise another kingdomâ, symbolised by the silver arms (v.39). As a âstatue of goldâ, there is no such thing as âafter youâ for Nebuchadnezzar. And the shattering stone outside human control, representing Godâs everlasting Kingdom (vv.44-45), was ignored and forgotten. Nebuchadnezzar the âstatue of goldâ was resisting the supreme kingship of God. What foolish and futile arrogance!Do you want Godâs 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 âhead of goldâ but a âstatue
of goldâ?
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 Godâs story in their lives
- Pray for significant people
- Pray for those in need
- Pray for self