There Is a God

Daniel 2:24-28a Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him.” 25 Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can tell the king what his dream means.” 26 The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), “Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?” 27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about 28a but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come.”
 
DANIEL leaves no doubt God in heaven reveals mysteries. He pointedly declares, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about.” God’s faithful servant stands firmly and humbly with his LORD.
    Just as fear is necessary to know God (See yesterday’s lesson.) humility is essential to activate our knowledge as we reverently serve God. Again we go to the wisdom literature: Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. And here is a wonderful encouragement toward humility in Zephaniah 2:3 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger. Humbly seek what is right and be saved.
    Daniel knows this. He was aware of God’s history of grace and power to protect his people. He knew of the Flood, the Exodus and the Promised Land journey. He knew of Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel and others who have humbly submitted to God’s will. He learned of David’s success as he humbly sought the LORD. And he understood David’s sin when he pridefully rejected God. He also knew he was exiled in Babylon because his forefathers pridefully turned from God.
    Daniel saw, too, that God’s true power comes to us when humility guides our hearts and minds. He was humble to pray, to trust God and to praise God. With humility, he knew there is a God in heaven.
 
Proverbs 18:12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.