Day 4: Infinite

King Nebuchadnezzar thought that the task of interpreting an untold dream was “too difficult” for his gods, but Daniel exemplifies that nothing is too difficult for our God.  The God of Daniel still speaks to us through dreams, prophecies, and visions. He still provides interpretations through Scripture and community, and we begin to see in these verses that wisdom and revelation are in sync with each other. The Spirit gives wisdom and provides revelation that allows us to discern what God is doing and saying in our everyday lives. “He reveals deep and hidden things,” (Dan. 2:22) similarly to the prophet Isaiah who wrote, “he reveals hidden things we have not known,” (Isa. 48:6) and, “announces new things before they spring into being” (Isa. 42:9). Psalm 51:6 affirms that, “God teaches us wisdom in the secret place.” 

Let’s be challenged by the actions of Daniel and his friends. Instead of panicking when their lives were on the line, they petitioned God with prayer. They went to the Source. They cared more about their relationship with God than they did with the end result of how the king would view them. They didn’t make anything up or compromise their belief in who God is. They believed that the God who holds all knowledge also makes mysteries known. Ultimately, it’s this quickening of obedience in Daniel’s spirit that causes him to ask God for the revelation to interpret the dream. God hears and honors their obedience and character by revealing the dream. 

Daniel and his friends possessed character that sustained their calling. This chapter teaches us we cannot devise information, but we must possess patience on a Heavenly revelation. We know God is a revealer. He is the source of all wisdom. Waiting on a revelation from Him enables us to then walk with confidence – with the impartation to be obedient – to take a step of faith. Ultimately, by Daniel’s example, we see that the revelation from God, coupled with Daniel’s quick obedient steps, resulted in a transformation. May God’s revelation and our obedience change the lives around us and strengthen our faith. And may it remind us, if we just have information, then to wait, ask, and seek God to have a revelation.

Reflection Questions:

1. Think of a time where you were asked to do more than you can do. How did God show up?

Written by Peter Hartwig, Theologian-in-Residence at National Community Church.