A Display of Power

Daniel 4:17

The mood swings of Nebuchadnezzar are almost comical. In chapter 3 of Daniel, he praises God after Shadrach, Meshach and Abednago are miraculously saved from the fiery furnace. In chapter 4, he trembles in fear after a dream predicting he will become like an animal and eat grass in the field. Even after this warning, he still lets pride get the better of him – and the prophesized downfall comes true. In Daniel 4:17, we learn the key to this story: It happens simply to show God’s power over everything. 

Questions for further thought:
1. Why do you think King Nebuchadnezzar become complacent after such a dramatic warning in a vision?
2. Is it hard to imagine God displaying his power over modern-day politics in the same way he did over King Nebuchadnezzar?  

​Challenge: Even when it was a hard truth, Daniel still shared God’s message for King Nebuchadnezzar in the dream interpretation. You might not have a direct revelation from God on such things, but you can steep yourself in God’s word and make your heart sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit to speak truth when necessary.