Loving Others: Daniel 4:19-27
Rather than judge others in their own understanding, God’s people love others in the light of God’s love for them. What an incredible calling! What a hard standard to set! Sometimes loving people – especially those in opposition to ourselves – is the most challenging thing God could ask us to do.
Daniel hears Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and trembles because God has given him the interpretation. It is not good news for Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel gets the unenviable task of telling Nebuchadnezzar he is going to lose his mind for a time.
At least there’s an upside. Daniel’s words imply a time will come for the restoration of Nebuchadnezzar’s mind. Even better, Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom will be saved for him while he’s learning God’s lesson. Nebuchadnezzar may endure a time of trial from the hand of God, but the trial will neither be permanent nor lethal.
I love Daniel’s initial response to the dream and the interpretation. It’s hard to tell if Daniel hesitates out of misgivings for having to do a hard job or because he fears Nebuchadnezzar’s response. Whatever the reason, Daniel takes no glory in delivering bad news to the Gentile king.
In this regard, Daniel shows himself to be a marvelous prophet of God. He is up to the task. It’s God’s dream and God’s interpretation, Daniel is just the mouthpiece. Even so, Daniel takes no pleasure in the news. God’s messengers may occasionally deliver a difficult message, but they take no pride in hearing about the downfall of others. God’s messengers mourn for those against whom God finds judgment.
This is one of the greatest differences between Jonah and Daniel. Jonah is called to deliver a harsh message to Nineveh, capitol of the Assyrian kingdom. Jonah grumbles and complains because he wants the Assyrians to be judged, although he knows the Assyrians will repent and receive mercy from God. Unlike Jonah, Daniel does not wish ill upon the Babylonians. Daniel wants all people to find relationship with God regardless of who they are.
Notice Daniel’s advice to Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel encourages Nebuchadnezzar to repent. Daniel encourages Nebuchadnezzar to practice righteousness and show mercy to the oppressed. Daniel wishes for Nebuchadnezzar to align his priorities with God’s ways. In fact, Daniel wants this for Nebuchadnezzar so Nebuchadnezzar would live a long and prosperous life.
Anyone can hate their enemies, despise their ways, and long for their disposal. Human nature justifies people behaving in this manner. It is natural to look down upon those who harm you and who treat you poorly.
Daniel is a true prophet of the Lord and behaves differently. Daniel rises above. Instead of condemning the Gentile king who destroyed his homeland and dragged his people into exile, Daniel tries to reform Nebuchadnezzar. He wants Nebuchadnezzar to repent and get into a relationship with God so his life may be lengthened. Rather than judge others in their own understanding, God’s people love others in the light of God’s love for them.
