God Reveals Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

Daniel 2:14–23
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Daniel and his three friends were among the number that came under Nebuchadnezzar’s decree to be executed because they were considered part of Babylon’s wise men (v. 14). Daniel was included in this fatal order and yet he was not summoned with the others to interpret the dream. Upon hearing the king’s decree Daniel tactfully asked the commander of the king’s guard for the reason and he explained what had taken place (v. 15). Imagine going to see the powerful and temperamental king who had ordered your death. Daniel did not shrink back in fear but he confidently believed God would tell him all the king wanted to know. A meeting was arranged between Daniel and the King in which Daniel asked the king for additional time to discover the interpreta­tion (v. 16). This request was granted to him by the king.

Daniel immediately called his friends together for a prayer meeting (vv. 17-18). Daniel recognized his own inability in the circumstances and turned to God expecting Him to meet his need. The two principal parts of his prayer were petition and praise. Many modern day leaders would have called a committee together or consulted the textbooks on dreams. The answer to their prayers was not long in coming. God gave the answer and Daniel gave thanks (vv. 19-20). God’s children often forget to praise Him when he graciously answers their prayers. God, not Daniel’s insight, gave him the dream and its interpretation. God controls the rise and fall of this earth’s leaders (v. 21).  He reveals His wonderful plans and purposes to His children who seek Him (v. 22). Daniel acknowledged that all his own power and wisdom were gifts of God (v. 23).

Application

I may be right in what I say but I am not always the most tactful in the way I say things. If I am going to reach others for Christ and have an effective and lasting influence on others I need to learn how to be more tactful in what I say and do.