Reflections: Know about God, or worship God

In my study of the book of Daniel, I find King Nebuchadnezzar highly interesting yet truly puzzling. (Not unlike some folks nowadays, actually . . .)

This week took me to chapter 4, where we read that Nebuchadnezzar had another dream. One would think that after God revealed the interpretation of his first dream to Daniel, Daniel would have been his go-to, but apparently that wasn’t the case. Nebuchadnezzar had checked with his magicians, diviners and astrologers, before it was finally Daniel’s turn.

This makes me wonder, in the earlier incident, was Nebuchadnezzar truly impacted, or merely impressed? Even after the fiery furnace incident in chapter 3, when the king issued a decree that anyone who spoke against the God the young Hebrew men served would be punished, did he actually worship and submit to the lordship of God? It sure doesn’t look like it.

The dream recounted in chapter 4 isn’t good news; in fact, Daniel is so troubled by the divinely-revealed meaning, he is hesitant to share it with the king. When he does, though, he concludes with some advice: “Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity” (v. 27).

Daniel sincerely cares about his employer/leader and suggests that a true change of heart might result in a change in God’s plan for Nebuchadnezzar. But once again, apparently it doesn’t happen, as some months later, Neb is walking around patting himself on the back for his achievements rather than thanking God for them.

In fulfillment of dream No. 2, Nebuchadnezzar suffered temporary insanity; scholars vary regarding whether “7 times” means seven months, seven agricultural seasons, or seven years, but the condition was severe. And, according to the biblical account, he finally got it—the chapter closes with, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”

The parallels to earthly leaders throughout history, and now, seem clear. While some cruel leaders have been allowed to rule and have caused many people to suffer, they have all come to an end, and the Bible assures us they will meet justice from a holy God. As our election season in the U.S. continues, I pray we will be blessed with leaders who recognize that, put simply, there is a God and they are not Him.

On a personal level, though, I need to remember that same concept myself. It’s easy to think, “Oh, praise God!” when something goes well, but submitting to His lordship and seeking Him for the best choices is a daily decision made with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I want to truly know and worship God, not just know about Him.