Daniel 4:19-27
Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you.”
Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies!
20 “The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth, 21 whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home— 22 it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth.
23 “And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him’; 24 this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: 25 They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.
26 “And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules. 27 Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity.”
Pasted from <http://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/printerFriendly.cfm?b=Dan&c=4&v=1&t=NKJVP>
The underlying message can be to do well; according to the word of God, according to His commands:
“The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men, and gives them to anyone he wishes.”
“…till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses….”
Who determines the outcomes of our contested leadership? Not the people, according to this statement, and not to whoever is the strongest, or wealthiest, or most intelligent, or craftiest. In our culture the people are the vehicle by which the choice is made but the outcome rests with the Most High God. We serve a Sovereign Lord who determines the outcome and it is for His purpose. Of interest is the fact that He speaks to both believer and unbeliever. His message was delivered to a wicked king. “Renounce…your wickedness…”
“…break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor….”
Do well…
But understanding was given to a believer. The believer had the Holy Spirit to give understanding and was willing to share that understanding even though it might anger the one with whom it was shared. That anger in this case could have caused the death of the believer. But he was faithful to the Lord God Almighty, resting in His care and protection. As can we.
What can we apply to current times? He is still Sovereign, He does not change.
“…Malachi 3:6 “For I [am] the LORD, I do not change; …”
Therefore, there is a purpose to the outcomes we see around the globe and here at home. As believers we can ask for understanding and rest in His Sovereignty. What to do? Continue to keep His Word, His commands. Continue to share His message with unbelievers and build up the downcast believer. Jesus said to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. We, unfortunately, are exposed to a lot of anger, bitterness and anxiety where there should be peace, rest and love.
Leviticus 19:18 ‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I [am] the LORD.
Romans 13:9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if [there is] any other commandment, are [all] summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
James 2:8 If you really fulfill [the] royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well;
Do Well.
