Deeper Reflection
Daniel 4 is about a two-part dream of Nebuchadnezzar, with the
story narrated in three stages: vision in the dream (Dan 4:10-18),
interpretation of the dream (Dan 4:19-27) and actualisation of the
dream (Dan 4:28-37).When Nebuchadnezzar had his dream, he did not know that the dream was
about him until Daniel interpreted for him. Until then, Nebuchadnezzar
could only describe the content of his dream. The first part of the dream
was a vision of an exalted tree (vv.10-12), which Nebuchadnezzar would
realise later depicts his supreme greatness and glory.We can be like this exalted tree in various ways. We may be at a “great
height” (v.10) – in high positions or at the peak of our accomplishments.
We may be pursuing our great dreams and ambitions, and keep pursuing
them until we reach our limits – “the sky” (v.11). We may be seeking to
be “large”, “strong” and “beautiful” – appearing good and great on the
outside, and to be “visible to the end of the whole earth” (vv.11, 12). We
desire to be prominently “visible” before people and it matters a lot to
us if what we have done has gone unnoticed. Jesus warns us: “Beware of
practising your righteousness” – in spirituality and charity – “before men”
intentionally “to be noticed by them” (Matt 6:1).There is a biblical place to be “great in the sight of the Lord” (Lk 1:15). It
is a gift from God. It is a greatness as defined by God and it can be in ways
that do not conform to the human idea of greatness.