4 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
1 Kings 20
1 Thessalonians 3
Daniel 2
Psalms 106
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Daniel 2:28 (CSB): “But there is a God in heaven…”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Christians are people who have entrusted their life to King Jesus. They realize that they have broken God’s laws and, therefore, fall at the mercy of the divine court. As they place their trust in King Jesus to save them, so many wonderful things become true of them.
As we think of all that God has done for us in Christ, it should overwhelm us. We should continually be singing the praises of His glory.
But, if you listen to so many so-called Christians, they aren’t singing the praises of Jesus’ glory. They are singing the praises of their own glory.
When they talk of something incredible that happened in their life, they end up bragging on themselves and give no credit to the Lord. When they make a right decision, or a good investment, or demonstrate courage in the face of danger, or any number of other possibilities, they selfishly take all the credit to themselves.
Just listen to how many times “me” and “I” are mentioned when they recount something they want you to be impressed with.
Here’s a question friend: Are you guilty of this, too? Do you steal God’s glory and claim it for yourself when talking of something wonderful that you were a part of?
When we listen to Daniel in today’s reading, we hear a man who was quick to deflect any self-glory as he rightfully gave all the glory to God. Just listen to this exchange.
Daniel 2:25–28 (CSB): “Then Arioch quickly brought Daniel before the king and said to him, ‘I have found a man among the Judean exiles who can let the king know the interpretation.’”
“The king said in reply to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, ‘Are you able to tell me the dream I had and its interpretation?’”
“Daniel answered the king, ‘No wise man, medium, magician, or diviner is able to make known to the king the mystery he asked about. But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has let King Nebuchadnezzar know what will happen in the last days.’”
Daniel 2:30 (CSB): “As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have more wisdom than anyone living…”
Daniel’s words are filled with humility. He acknowledged his inability to come up with the interpretation to the king’s vision. Instead, he rightly pointed to the Lord and gave Him the glory.
Friend, if you are a follower of Jesus, you and I should follow Daniel’s example. Listen to the words that come out of our mouths when talking about our part in some event that was impressive. We should say “Him” and “He” and “the Lord” and “Jesus” much more often than “me” and “I.”
* * * * * * * * * *
Lord Jesus, I say that my life is about You but I often demonstrate in my speech that my life is much more about myself than I like to admit. Help me to more fully reflect on and understand how gracious You are to me. Help me to fully acknowledge that I can do absolutely nothing without You graciously giving me the ability to do so – including taking my next breath of air. Then, with that grateful conviction, I want to deflect all glory to You and not claim even a bit for myself because that’s exactly as it should be. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
Matt’s Musings 