May 27: THE ROLE OF A PROPHET

Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, prostrate before Daniel, and commanded that they should present an offering and incense to him. Daniel 2:46

Daniel’s humble and thorough presentation of the dream and its interpretation absolutely astonished the king. Each detail of the dream that God provided through Daniel aligned perfectly with the king’s now revitalized memory, bringing the dream directly back into crisp focus. Also, the interpretation was clear and simple, making perfect sense. The responses by the king to this revelation, in actions and words, are linked with worship: he fell on his face, prostrate before Daniel, and commanded that they should present an offering and incense to him. Think of how phenomenal this scene is: the world’s most powerful king falling down prostrate before a lowly Jewish captive.

Now we know Daniel quite well enough to be certain of his tactful and respectful guidance of the king’s attention toward the God of heaven. As yet, Nebuchadnezzar knew very little of the one, true God; and even less regarding the worship of Him. But Nebuchadnezzar’s great appreciation for the answer that God had sent through Daniel overwhelmed him with joy and relief. Of course, Daniel had previously stated that this message—the dream and its interpretation—was entirely provided by God, and not because of any superior wisdom that he, Daniel, possessed over others (see v. 30).

There are a few instances in Scripture where humans refused the worship of other humans as well as angels refusing the worship of humans (listed below*). Pause for a moment and consider the contrast with the self-exaltation of Lucifer, even attempting to entice Jesus to fall down before him and worship (see Isaiah 14:13-14; Matthew 4:9).

It is evident by the initial phrase of the very next verse, The king answered Daniel…, that conversation ensued between these two verses, which Daniel chose not to record; he graciously pointed the king’s attention toward God. Hear the king’s answering words: “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.” (v.47)

Nebuchadnezzar began a spiritual journey this very day. He acknowledged that Daniel’s God is the God of gods, superior to Marduk (or any of the so-called gods of Babylon). Daniel’s God is the Lord of kings. This title was applied to Marduk in the Babylonian creation story. The Babylonians had an annual ritual to renew the giving of the kingship by Marduk to the king of Babylon. This acknowledgement by Nebuchadnezzar was a sign that God was at work through His faithful and loyal friend, Daniel. Daniel, the prophet.

Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. Amos 3:7 (see also John 15:15)

*Acts 10:25-26; Acts 14:11-18; Revelation 19:10; 22:9