Daniel: Does God Reign? Does God Care? - Reading PlanНамуна

Start with prayer, then watch the video and read Daniel 4.

Daniel 4 is one of the weirder and less well-known stories in the book. Strange as it is though, it ought to be better known – it’s intriguing, exciting, and packed with lots that we can learn.

In many ways it sums up the great theme of the first part of Daniel. Who is in control? This is a clash for the ages – a direct contest between the greatest power on earth and God. And who won? God.

But perhaps the most unexpected part of the story is that things don’t end there. From the start we realise something strange is happening, as the whole chapter is written by Nebuchadnezzar – the conqueror and destroyer of Jerusalem, and the last person you’d expect to be getting to write part of the Bible. Why?

The intriguing answer is that God doesn’t want to destroy Nebuchadnezzar and leave him in the dust as a defeated adversary – he wants to redeem him.

That starts with repentance, which is a surprising element of this story. In some ways Nebuchadnezzar has already acknowledged God’s power, in his response to the clashes of chapters 2 and 3. He’s acknowledged that “God is the God of gods” (2v47). But that doesn’t seem to be enough.

It’s not enough to recognise God exists, or even that he’s God and powerful. God wants Nebuchadnezzar to repent and believe. That’s a New Testament phrase, but what it means is here in this chapter. Nebuchadnezzar not only needs to recognise God, he also needs to submit to God. That means recognising his own sin and pride and putting his trust in, and following God – repentance and faith. That can be a challenge to us too – are we repentant and fully submitted to God in our lives?

The story also challenges us in our response to those outside the church. When we share our faith with others, we’re not just calling them to believe – but to repent and believe. This passage also reminds us that that means anyone can then be saved. If ever there was a man who did not deserve redemption – it was Nebuchadnezzar. But our salvation rests on God’s grace and greatness, and not our own goodness – and so even Nebuchadnezzar could be saved. Think of the most unlikely person you know – God can save even them!