Saturday, August 8, 2009

Interpreting A Dream

Focus verses: Daniel 2:17-45

Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon while Daniel was in bondage there. The king had a dream which he wanted interpreted, but he would tell no one the content of the dream. He insisted that the interpreter tell him what he had dreamed.

None of his magicians, enchanter, sorcerers and astrologers could tell him the content of the dream. They asked him to reveal the content, but the king grew angry and would have had them all executed. This would have included Daniel and his friends. But Daniel went to the king and asked for some time to interpret the dream. Then he prayed, and God revealed the dream and its interpretation to him.

He asked the Lord for this specific wisdom, and it was granted to him. "You have made known to us the dream of the king."

Then, if you will notice, he tells the king that the dream came from God as an unbidden knowledge. God was revealing the future to the king. Daniel can interpret the dream, not because he is wiser than anyone else, but because God has revealed it so the king could know what went through his mind.

The whole point of this exercise is that all wisdom comes from God. When we ask His wisdom, He is generous to reveal it. He gives us the knowledge we need for the time at hand -- when we ask.

Unfortunately, most of us rely on our own wisdom, not the Lord's. We tend to go about our daily business, blissfully unaware of the power and knowledge available to us if we but ask.

Father, God,

Help us to check the arrogance of our own intellects. Remind us that all wisdom comes from You, not us. Give us the grace to seek Your will before committing to a course of action.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

3 comments:

Andrea said...

Amen! Another great post. I studied Daniel through the Beth Moore study a couple of years ago and this passage was given new meaning in my heart during that time.
Blessings, andrea

Wendy said...

Prov 8 34,35 speaks of Wisdom and promises real life and God's good pleasure if we seek her.
You are so right it's available to anyone who really wants it!

Judith Robl said...

Andrea, Wendy,
Thank you for your comments and the thoughts you added.