Title Putting God First (Daniel 2:29-30)
Lesson 18 Putting God First (Daniel 2:29-30)
2:29-30
O king, when you went to your bed and contemplated the future, he who revealed secrets made known to the king the future, and he revealed these secrets to me, not that my wisdom was better than that of other men, but I made known the interpretation to the king. so that the king might know what the king's heart had thought.
These are brief words, but they are truly gracious and precious words. The text of the text reminds us once again of what our life attitude that believes in God should ultimately be.
Now Daniel is standing before King Nebuchadnezzar. As we saw yesterday, Daniel gave great glory to God by making it clear to the king who it was who showed him secrets. Then, in today's text, we can see King Nebuchadnezzar reassuring and comforting his worried King. And we can see Daniel humble himself infinitely.
Let's take a look at today's text. In verse 29 Daniel explains the circumstances under which the king had a dream. Please see verse 29. "O king, the king went to bed." What does the bed do? A place to sleep. But King Nebuchadnezzar went to bed, but could not sleep.
"When you think about the future." Did you have a dream when King Nebuchadnezzar had been on the throne for several years now? When I was two years old, I had a dream. The throne is still not strong enough. Wouldn't it be possible for many conquered countries to attack again? Wouldn't the servants rebel and revolt? How can we further consolidate our power? I couldn't sleep because of all these political unrest. He said he was thinking about the future. What will be the fate of the countries of the world? In particular, what will be the fate of my country, Babylon? I couldn't sleep thinking about this.
Then he said, "He who reveals secrets." Who reveals secrets? He is God. God said, "The future has been made known to the king." what do you mean? Isn't it true that "God knows the desire of the king's heart, and he has granted it to you"? Daniel is reassuring the king. I am comforting you. How precious is your heart?
As I said once before, when we want to say something, we want to think deeply. I said "think". What did t say? true. Is this statement true, is it speculation, or is it not just a rumor? When speaking, only speak the truth. Then what did h say? help, is it helpful or beneficial to the other person by saying this? If that's not the case, then you shouldn't. Then i is important, is it really important? It is to think about whether the words are meaningless or useless. Then n is necessary. Even if these words are important, true, and helpful, do you really need to do them now? I asked him to reconsider the necessity. He told them to pray one more time and then think about whether it would be better to talk. Then what did the last k say? called kind. Kindness. I asked them to think about whether I was saying this kindly and out of love for the other person.
How kind is Daniel's appearance now? It is reassuring the king who is troubled by sleeplessness. "Don't worry, king. The God who reveals secrets knows the desire of the king's heart and grants it. Rest assured." comforting the king. Isn't that heart beautiful?
Then look at verse 30. "It is not that my wisdom is better than the rest of my life, that this secret has been revealed to me." The self is that there is no one better than another. The point is that you are nothing more than a person just like everyone else. I lowered myself. How precious are you? "Only to make known the interpretation to the king, so that he may know what the king has thought in his heart." These words are comforting words, saying, “God revealed to the king because God loved and loved him.”
What is Daniel's standard of living? First, it is to glorify God, and secondly, to exalt others. The third was to humble me. That is the life of those who have become the people of our God. Let's remember once again. Glory to God! Others raise it! I lower! In the midst of this, true joy will overflow in our hearts.
Let me tell you a story and I'll close it. There is a man named Benjamin Franklin. This man is one of the greatest figures in American history. He was a great writer, a politician, a social worker, and an inventor.
After a while, Franklin was forced to get up. And I came out scratching my head, saying, "Good-bye, Pastor. I'll go." But it seems that Franklin was a little taller. As I came out, I banged on the threshold with a “bang!” How painful would it be if you hit me suddenly? I frowned.
Let's reconsider the lesson we learned today. First, Glory to God! I hope that you will put God first and live your life with God first. Second, please exalt others. It was said that you reap what you sow. Let's plant love. Only then will that love return to us as it is. As the old saying goes, you give in return and receive in words. Don't forget that when I criticize others, that criticism will always come back to me. Be a person who praises others rather than criticizes them. Please build someone else. And third, he told me to humble myself. It is said that God has mercy on the humble.
Live modestly today too, and do not express yourself in front of people you hate, no matter how much. When you live with a bright face and a happy face, God will bless your life. May you be filled with joy in the Lord today as well.