Daniel: Humble Servant, Faithful God - Turn From Your Sins

Sunday we move into Daniel chapter four. Here Daniel relates God’s direct engagement with Nebuchadnezzar. The king has a dream about a magnificent tree that reaches to the sky, supplying for the creation. This tree is cut down but not removed. Daniel interprets the dream for the king, “You are the tree.” In short, God is going to humble Nebuchadnezzar for his pride and oppression, but he gives him an opportunity to repent, and even the hope of restoration after his humiliation.

The message is directed at Nebuchadnezzar, but the lesson is for God’s people. The first major lesson of the text is that God calls his people to turn from their sins and live humbly before their God. Their failure to walk humbly before God is why they are in Babylonian exile to begin with. This exposes the challenge that believers encounter with “grace.” God is good and generous to his people, blessing them even when they don’t merit his goodness. As he blesses his people, their hearts begin to turn from loving the Giver to loving the gifts that he gives. This turn in affection is all too common and easy. The problem is not with God’s goodness, but with the darkness of the human heart.

In his mercy, God has humbled his people by removing his gifts and sending them into exile. This is mercy, because full life is found in the presence of God not the gifts of God that we enjoy. God is calling his prodigal children home. Join us Sunday as we consider God’s message to his people.