MONDAY, APRIL 23
Daniel 4:4-10
Matthew 5:14

“Ye are the light
of the world …”

A SPIRIT OF THE HOLY GODS

The dream of the great tree, which God placed into the mind of Nebuchadnezzar, made him “afraid” and “troubled” (Dan 4:5). Intuitively, he called for the magicians of his court to give him the interpretation. But even though he divulged the full contents (in contrast to Dan 2:5), it was obvious that his court diviners had no consistent or credible interpretation. At this stage in his life and career, the king could not be easily deceived.

But why did not the king call for Daniel first of all? Doubtless, like Ahab who refused to call for Micaiah because he suspected that the message would be ominous (1 Kings 22:8), Nebuchadnezzar likewise feared that Daniel would neither distort nor modify the message!

Nebuchadnezzar had tremendous respect for Daniel. He referred to him as the one in whom was “the spirit of the holy gods” (cf. Dan 4:9, 18; 5:11, 14). Note Pharaoh’s similar evaluation of Joseph (Gen 41:38-39). When God brings great tragedy into the lives of people, it is fascinating to see often they call for help from the very Christians whose testimony they had spurned and suppressed for years. What a supreme joy to be the bearer of Good Tidings to such softened and convicted hearts: instantaneous and permanent salvation is available to all who repent and believe in the Saviour of the world! Those who believe will also, then, like Daniel, possess the Spirit of the living God.

THOUGHT: Just as wicked men could not darken the light of Jesus, so our reflected light will penetrate the darkness around us.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to be a consistent bearer of the message of Thy salvation, love, and grace that those who see and hear may believe.