Sunday Worship 11.00 am and 6.30 pm Minister: Dr William (Bill) J M Parker
6. Humbling the Proud and the Powerful – Daniel 2:1-13 - 22/10/17 (pm)
Daniel
Sermon Date: 22/10/17 (pm)
Humbling the Proud and Powerful–Daniel 2:1-13
Main Teaching Point:
The Lord humbles those He is going to save.
Together, the three stories in Daniel chapters two to four tell of the conversion of Nebuchadnezzar (many, but not all, agree) and how God used Daniel and his colleagues in the process.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Problems
Nebuchadnezzar was on top of the world at the beginning of his reign. His empire was expanding and he had enormous wealth, power, authority. But in his second year he had [recurring?] dreams that troubled him (2:1). Nebuchadnezzar sensed they were significant but did not know their meaning. For a man used to being in control, this was a shock.
Nebuchadnezzar asked his counsellors to tell him what the dream meant and
what it was. They faced a great penalty if they could not do both; a great reward if they could. Was Nebuchadnezzar simply testing their ability or could he genuinely not remember his dream? Opinion is divided, though weighted on the side of him remembering it. How could Nebuchadnezzar verify his dream if he had forgotten it?
Without the details of the dream the advisors could not consult their case books. They admitted failure (2:10). For a king who was used to manipulating people, this was another shock.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Reactions to His Problems
The man who thought he was in control was spiralling out of control because he faced a problem over which he had no control. How did Nebuchadnezzar react? His insecurity showed in his behaviour:
- He was irritable (2:1-13).
- He became hostile and irrational (2:5, 12). Advisers torn limb from limb?! Houses demolished?! Wise men killed?!
- He was paranoid (2:9). He suspected trusted advisors when there was nothing to suspect.
Nebuchadnezzar did not realise it, but God was dealing with him.
Bringing the Unconverted to their Senses
What might Daniel 2:1-13 be saying to us?
1. Before anyone can convert, that person must be humbled. It is what God does to all He saves. There is no place for pride or self-sufficiency (Matthew 5:3-5; Luke 15:11-31). Do you remember being humbled before you came to faith in Christ? You saw yourself as without hope ... only for Jesus! Is the Lord humbling you now regarding salvation?
2. To humble certain people, God brings them to a point where they have no control.
We all must come to that point, but some have further to travel than others! … the proud, successful, wealthy (see Mark 10:23-24). … those who wield power and exert influence. God often gets their attention by rendering them powerless. He may use business failure, illness, family problems where wealth, influence, bullying will not work. Is the Lord dealing with you in any of these ways?
Praying for the Unconverted
In light of these truths what should Christians be doing? Guarding against pride in their own hearts. Praying that the Lord will deal with the unconverted as He dealt with Nebuchadnezzar. Particularly the wealthy, self-sufficient, influential, powerful. Do any of these describe your unconverted spouse? Neighbour? Boss? Friend? Relative? Son? Daughter? Parent? Is there a celebrity, dictator, world leader who fits this description? Are you burdened for them? Pray that God would deal with them as He dealt with Nebuchadnezzar. You may even be used to minister to them in their situation as God would use Daniel in Nebuchadnezzar’s.
© Dr Bill Parker 2018