URC Daily Devotion 22nd July 2019

Though written centuries later, the Book’s setting is in the time of exile in Babylon, following the invasion and destruction of Jerusalem.  Daniel and his three companions are promoted in the king’s service and are trained in the Babylonian language, culture and customs. Yet for all the pressure to conform and to forget the faith of the exiles, they hold onto their Jewish faith and practice.   The time comes when Daniel, with all his old and new found wisdom, offers to interpret the dreams that have been troubling the king. He makes clear (like Joseph did before Pharaoh) that the interpretation belongs not to him, but to God.

With the troubling dream interpreted, the mighty King Nebuchadnezzar recognises that he stands before a power and reality greater than himself.  He bows before the Jewish exile – the tables are turned and God, ‘the revealer of mysteries’ is worshipped. The presence of the God who creates and saves is glimpsed.

We long for distorted power to be confronted in our world today.  We long for those who worship themselves to recognise the one who alone is worth worshipping.  How may this be happening in our times? How might we be part of that subversive movement?