Monday, 4th March 2024
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: THE STRUGGLE OF THE HUMAN SOUL
THEME SCRIPTURE: “The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, the thing is gone from me: if you will not make known to me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.” – Daniel 2:5
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Why would Nebuchadnezzar make such a demand of his people?
In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and he was left with a restless spirit. He was deeply troubled (Dan 2:1). The king became so anxious that he made an unreasonable demand of his advisers (the magicians, sorcerers, astrologers, etc.). He requested them to tell him his dream and also its interpretation. His advisers made it clear to him that “there is not a man upon the earth that can reveal the king’s matter: therefore there is no king, lord or ruler that ask such things…” (Dan 2:10).
Despite Nebuchadnezzar’s power and position as king of great Babylon, in his heart of heart, he was like a lost child in the dark.
He had everything a person could dream of (fame, power, riches, etc.). His expansionist program to create an unprecedented empire was going well. His hanging gardens became one of the wonders of the ancient world. Why should such a powerful king as Nebuchadnezzar be troubled by a dream? Such that everything became unimportant but this one dream and its interpretation. He was willing to kill if no one could reveal this dream and its interpretation. This is the struggle of the human soul. Men and women have acquired everything that could make them happy yet inner peace, inner security and rest seem illusive.
Beloved, Nebuchadnezzar was a man whose goal, ambitions and life were set on outward greatness, fame and riches, power and conquest.
But the most important thing he needed, inner peace and security, was lacking. God’s message to him through a dream left the great but also rich king of Babylon restless. Nebuchadnezzar soon realized that there are some things money cannot buy. Fame or riches can’t cure inner chaos. Like Augustine’s memorable words, “The heart of man is restless until it finds its rest in God.” Only God alone can grant both the rich and the poor, the educated and uneducated inner peace. It is also worth noting that in his restlessness, Nebuchadnezzar became unreasonable. He became hostile to his own advisors. If a man has no peace within, can he be at peace with his neighbour without? If a man is unsecured within, he has no choice but to be hostile. Daniel showed the king the dream and its interpretation and Nebuchadnezzar responded, “Of a truth, it is that your God is a God of gods and the Lord of kings…” (Dan 2:47).
Precious one, in all your endeavors, endeavor to be at peace with God.
Do all you can to be at rest in Christ. You may be a hostile, abusive and power-conscious person. Seek rest in Jesus and you will be healed. Selfishness, pride, covetousness, envy, vindictiveness, malignity and unnatural affections are all products of the inner chaos of the human soul. Seek God today and find peace. Let Him live through you and you will know purpose and fulfillment. Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING – Daniel 2:1-13
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Are you at peace with God through Christ Jesus?
- Have you found purpose in this life?
PRAYER
Precious Father, I am turned to you this day because I seek the inner peace you alone can grant me. I receive into my heart the Lord Jesus because He is my peace and wisdom. I yield unto you to live through me, eternal Father, in Jesus’ name.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Leviticus 9; Leviticus 10; Psalm 108; Psalm 109; 2 Corinthians 1; 2 Corinthians 2
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