Re:Verse passage – Daniel 4:1-37 (day five)
“Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him.”
We have seen (in previous chapters) Daniel’s devotion to God bear the fruit of courage, trust, discipline, and perseverance. In chapter 4 we see another evidence of a vibrant relationship with God- love. It is Daniel’s love for Nebuchadnezzar that caused the emotions of being perplexed and terrified. I don’t think he was terrified of the king. I think he was terrified for the king. It was love for the king that motivated Daniel to tell him the truth about his dream- hoping the king would repent and avoid consequences. It was Daniel’s love for God that fostered a genuine love and concern for the king (the king even recognizes it).
We would do well to have that same kind of love and regard for those who don’t have a relationship with God through Christ, even if they mistreat us or others. This goes for our leaders (no matter how good or bad we think they are). We should pray for them. We should care about their souls and their circumstances.
Loving God empowers us to love others.
I hope everyone in this country is doing the very thing that you suggest in this post. Thank you.
Wow, thank you for sharing this insight. I sensed that Daniel cared about the king, which is amazing in itself. But love how you brought out this is the love of God in Daniel and being expressed through Daniel. And I think it is so true, no matter who is in authority above us, we are to respect them, pray for them, and genuinely care about their souls.