[Note: New podcast episode link below.]

~

In Daniel 4, we learn about a king who has become proud and arrogant. He has a troubling dream. Since Daniel has developed a reputation for successfully interpreting dreams, he is summoned to help.

Daniel says that the king will be humbled. He will be driven away from the presence of other people to live among beasts. Only after he acknowledges God will he be restored. 

But Daniel gives him some very specific counsel about what he needs to do: “break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity” (Daniel 4:27).

In short, he tells the king to do three things. He needs to break off his sin, practice righteousness (i.e. living in a way that is ‘right’ before God and others), and show mercy to the oppressed.

We would expect Daniel to say this to a king of Judah or Israel. It is telling, however, that he says it to a pagan king. To me it seems that these ideals are universal; they are wise counsel for leaders of nations and governments all over the world and through every time and generation.

Can you imagine if all the leaders of the world did these three things? My sense is that we would have a global revolution of grace and truth within a week.

But, as far as I know, none of us rule nations or lead governments. Therefore, we can only look in the mirror. 

As we seek to be the people of God in our own homes, workplaces, schools and churches, do we truly identify and then turn away from sin? Do we seek to live in a way that is right before God and others? Do we work for mercy?

As I personally ask myself those same questions, I can’t claim perfection. Far from it. I see more “areas for growth” than successes. If you’re like me, you therefore take comfort in knowing that only Jesus is perfect! 

As the Lord’s people, however, let’s rely on his Spirit and avoid the selfish arrogance which infected the Babylonian king and which caused him to neglect God’s greater purpose for his life.

Let’s live by faith, pursue righteousness and love mercy in the footsteps of Christ.

---

Notes:

–Answering Skeptics: “People of different religions all think theirs is best. One isn’t better than the other.” In this short episode I answer this common statement. Find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc., or by clicking here.

-“There is no version of a better world without humility.” Click here. Sermon.
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.