Through the Bible: DanielSample

Pride and Forgiveness

Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, “Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies!

Daniel 4:19 (ESV)

The dream begins with a description of a magnificent tree followed by a voice from heaven to have the tree cut down, but the voice from heaven goes on to speak of the “tree” as if it were a man. The latter part of the dream described that whoever this tree was meant to symbolize, was about to go insane and become like an animal. King Nebuchadnezzar had been warned in this dream that he would be eating grass with the animals unless he changed his proud, sinful ways. God humbled Nebuchadnezzar to show him that God was the Lord of the nations. No matter how powerful a person may become, pride will push God from his or her life.

When Daniel understood Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he was upset and grieved at the fate of Nebuchadnezzar, the man responsible for the destruction of Daniel’s home and nation! Daniel had compassion for Nebuchadnezzar, and so God was able to use Daniel. Very often when we have been wronged by someone, we find it difficult to forget the past. Can you serve someone who mistreated you? Daniel was able to forgive and put the past behind him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our pride. Help us not to live like animals but like people created in Your image. Father, help us also to forgive, forget and love. May You use us in an extraordinary way. In Jesus' name, Amen.