Daniel: Humble Servant, Faithful God - The Wisdom of Humility

Sunday we’ll consider Daniel’s presentation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. We will hold off on the meaning of the dream and focus on Daniel’s presentation. This text affirms and presents the wisdom of humility exhibited by Daniel. In Daniel’s song of praise, he says of the Lord, “he removes kings and sets up kings,” Daniel 2:21. This recognition of God’s sovereignty over mankind is the heart of the vision. It’s also the heart of this faithful servant of God.

As Daniel, a teenager, stands before this powerful king, he says, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show the king the mystery that the king has asked,” Daniel 2:27. Each of the professions mentioned are mankind’s attempt to know the future and control his fate. If we can predict the future, maybe we can control it. Daniel gently tells the king that mankind can’t track the providence of God. What he says next is a considerable statement, “But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king,” Daniel 2:30. Of all the moments when Daniel should take credit and promote himself, this is the one. Instead, Daniel deflects credit, humbling himself before the king, exalting the Lordship of God.  

Daniel has already assimilated the meaning of the dream: God exalts and demotes at his will. Mankind is subject to the sovereign management of God. Daniel surrendered to that truth. Nebuchadnezzar was not responsible for his success and Daniel was not responsible for his insight into the dream. This is goes against the world’s fundamental belief that we are the master of our fate. No, brothers and sisters, we advance at the pleasure of the Lord. Join us Sunday as we consider the wisdom of humility.