Today’s Reading: Daniel 4, Psalm 107
The number of captives taken to Babylon in the 17th year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign was 3,023. Then in Nebuchadnezzar’s 18th year he took 832 more. In Nebuchadnezzar’s 23rd year he sent Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, who took 745 more – a total of 4,600 captives in all. – Jeremiah 52:28-30
Consider this context of the people of Judah being carried into exile, and let’s go back to the book of Daniel. Three of the young men living in exile were told they would be thrown into the fire if they did not bow down and worship the gold statue King Nebuchadnezzar had made. Even though they were captives in this foreign land, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood strong in their faith.
“O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. BUT EVEN IF HE DOESN’T, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” – Daniel 3:16-18
BUT EVEN IF HE DOESN’T
What an amazing example of trusting God. When life is difficult and there is nothing we can do to change the demands around us, our best option is to trust God. We can proclaim our belief that God will take care of us, yet be willing to cling to our faith even if He does not move the way we want Him to.
I admit I have had to overcome the tendency to solve my own problems. I had to let go of my need to manipulate and control a situation and let Him be Lord, saying — I know that the God I serve is able to save and rescue me by His power but, EVEN IF HE DOESN’T, I will trust Him. Daily I have to let go of the reins and trust in the God who reigns.
King Nebuchadnezzar had a similar lesson to learn, again through the interpretation of a dream: A large tree was growing very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for the whole world to see. It had fresh green leaves, was loaded with fruit, and offered shade to wild animals and a home for the birds nestled in its branches. This tree was large enough to feed all the people.
But then a holy messenger came down from heaven shouting, “Cut down the tree and lop off its branches! Shake off its leaves and scatter its fruit! Chase the wild animals from its shade and the birds from its branches. But leave the stump and the roots in the ground…For seven periods of time, let him have the mind of a wild animal instead of the mind of a human.” – Daniel 4:14-16
Although he was frightened by the meaning, Daniel interpreted the dream and advised the king to stop sinning and do what was right — to break from his wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Daniel was a refugee. He had been taken from his home into captivity and then taken away from his family to be assigned to the royal service of King Nebuchadnezzar, a very selfish and evil man. Interpreting this dream took courage and the kind of faith that says — I believe my God will rescue me…
BUT EVEN IF HE DOESN’T
The dream got the king’s attention but his attitude remained the same. His pride was stronger than his faith: “Look at this great city of Babylon! By MY OWN mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor” (Daniel 4:30).
While these words were still in his mouth, a voice called down from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom. You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.” – Daniel 4:31-32
The king reigning over God’s people during their 70 years of exile was now experiencing his own exile of 7 years. When his sanity returned and he was given back the throne, his attitude had changed. “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud” (Daniel 4:37). He had learned the hard way that God was in control and he was not, a lesson I have had to daily learn.
Lord, I have so many questions about the future, but I choose to once again give you the reins. I want nothing more than for you to be in charge. No matter what I face, I want to be able to say with confidence that YOU ARE ABLE. Reveal any pride in my life and replace it with humility. Help me to let go and trust YOU – the God who reigns! Lord, give me the strength in every situation to say…
BUT EVEN IF HE DOESN’T
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were right to trust God. In anger, King Nebuchadnezzar did throw them into the furnace, which he had heated seven times hotter than usual. But as the king looked into the fire, he saw four men walking around – unbound and unharmed! He called for the young Hebrews to come out of the fire and they did.
The fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke! – Daniel 3:27b
That is what our God is capable of. He can rescue us and chances are He will rescue us. BUT EVEN IF HE DOESN’T, are you willing to serve Him? Are you willing to trust Him even if there is a furnace ahead for you? Even if you don’t know how things will turn out in the end, are you willing to say with confidence that He is Lord? Will you let go of the reins and trust in the God who reigns?