Post by Woody Williams on Nov 20, 2012 5:34:13 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Daniel 4:19-22, 25, 27-28
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Then Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar, was severely distressed for
a while. His thoughts terrified him. The king said, "Belteshazzar, do
not let the dream or the interpretation terrify you." Belteshazzar
answered, "My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you, and its
interpretation for your enemies! The tree that you saw, which grew
great and strong, so that its top reached to heaven and was visible
to the end of the whole earth, whose foliage was beautiful and its
fruit abundant, and which provided food for all, under which animals
of the field lived, and in whose branches the birds of the air had
nests — it is you, O king! You have grown great and strong. Your
greatness has increased and reaches to heaven, and your sovereignty
to the ends of the earth.
You shall be driven away from human society, and your dwelling shall
be with the wild animals. You shall be made to eat grass like oxen,
you shall be bathed with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall
pass over you, until you have learned that the Most High has
sovereignty over the kingdom of mortals, and gives it to whom he
will.
Therefore, O king, may my counsel be acceptable to you: atone for
your sins with righteousness, and your iniquities with mercy to the
oppressed, so that your prosperity may be prolonged."
All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar.
Devotional
----------
Fearfully Daniel interprets the king's dream and encourages the king
to change his ways - rule with mercy in his kingdom and care for the
poor. If he does this his rule will be extended in time. The king did
this and his rule was extended, and he acknowledged Daniel's God as
the great ruler. Human power and authority are limited in scope and
time. Many leaders forget that and assume they have absolute power
over others. This challenge to God does not go unnoticed. In the end
God prevails.
Prayer
-----------
Give all leaders the wisdom to lead with mercy and justice, O Lord.
Amen
----------
Then Daniel, who was called Belteshazzar, was severely distressed for
a while. His thoughts terrified him. The king said, "Belteshazzar, do
not let the dream or the interpretation terrify you." Belteshazzar
answered, "My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you, and its
interpretation for your enemies! The tree that you saw, which grew
great and strong, so that its top reached to heaven and was visible
to the end of the whole earth, whose foliage was beautiful and its
fruit abundant, and which provided food for all, under which animals
of the field lived, and in whose branches the birds of the air had
nests — it is you, O king! You have grown great and strong. Your
greatness has increased and reaches to heaven, and your sovereignty
to the ends of the earth.
You shall be driven away from human society, and your dwelling shall
be with the wild animals. You shall be made to eat grass like oxen,
you shall be bathed with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall
pass over you, until you have learned that the Most High has
sovereignty over the kingdom of mortals, and gives it to whom he
will.
Therefore, O king, may my counsel be acceptable to you: atone for
your sins with righteousness, and your iniquities with mercy to the
oppressed, so that your prosperity may be prolonged."
All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar.
Devotional
----------
Fearfully Daniel interprets the king's dream and encourages the king
to change his ways - rule with mercy in his kingdom and care for the
poor. If he does this his rule will be extended in time. The king did
this and his rule was extended, and he acknowledged Daniel's God as
the great ruler. Human power and authority are limited in scope and
time. Many leaders forget that and assume they have absolute power
over others. This challenge to God does not go unnoticed. In the end
God prevails.
Prayer
-----------
Give all leaders the wisdom to lead with mercy and justice, O Lord.
Amen