Shining in Babylon | Daniel 2

In the second chapter of Daniel, we can see that God used Daniel as a transforming agent in his culture. Here is an overview of Daniel 2 and what we can learn from it.

*This blog post is a summary from Pastor Bobby’s sermon on 6/5/2022. You can find the sermon video below.

Daniel 2

In Daniel 2, we read that Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that deeply troubled him. He demanded that his wise men not only interpret the dream, but also tell what the dream was. The wise men pleaded with him to share the dream so that they could interpret it but he refused. His demand was coupled with the threat that they would be torn limb from limb if they failed. When no one could complete his request, Nebuchadnezzar demanded that they all be killed.

While panic and fear gripped the others, Daniel walked boldly before the kings and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.” (Daniel 2:27-28)

Daniel then shared the dream and its interpretation with the king as it had been revealed to him by God. After hearing from Daniel, the king said, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.” (Daniel 2:47) He then promoted to “rule over the whole province of Babylon and be chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon.”

Conclusion

Daniel was not afraid to take a risk in faith. While the others panicked, he prayed and worshiped God. As a result, God revealed the dream to Daniel and the king of Babylon recognized the one true God.

What risk in faith might God be calling you to in order to “shine in Babylon?” Where are you allowing fear to grip you instead of trusting God?

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” If we keep our eyes on God as Daniel did, we can overcome fear and be transforming agents in a world that is spiraling out of control.