Today’s scripture: Daniel 2:17-23 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tom Chittenden):
I have never studied these verses in any formal or private study before. Sure, I’m aware of the Sunday-school lessons of Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams and Daniel’s interpretations, and of the friends saved from the fiery furnace and Daniel’s triumphs in the lion’s den — but nothing in-depth.
So, I set off to do historical due diligence. As so often happens, one reference leads to another reference and the next author quotes another and before you know it you’re reading something that at first glace has nothing to do with the text at hand.
Ah, but as is so often the case in this journey for enlightenment and understanding that one is taken to a story, a song, a picture or in this instance a beautiful letter constructed entirely from scripture — written to you and to me — that makes the digression ever so worthwhile. This is the “detour” on the journey that led me to yesterday’s Be Still.
When I read through the account of Daniel’s life and how his life was such a testimony and witness to the sovereignty of God, it became apparent to me that one of the dominant themes in this book of prophecy is that our eternal God has always been moving in and through the history of humanity.
God has chosen to invest everything into manifesting Godself in the lives of men and women for one holy purpose — to remind us who we are and why we are here in this moment in time. As I read, I cry out to the Almighty One with joy in my heart — I now understand the words of deliberate praise that Daniel offered in our verses today.
And for me — the tangent that led to this love letter has brought me a treasure worth the journey. For God, the Living Word, has lavishly reminded us of God’s Great Love. It is the revelation of this Truth that permeates into my heart, revealing (and reminding us) of “deep and hidden things.”
Thought for the day: “Let every thing that has breath… praise the Lord.” So be it.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.