Heavenly Living in Hostage Times (5)

Daniel 2:16-23

Daniel 2:16–23 NKJV

16 So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him time, that he might tell the king the interpretation. 17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, 18 that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven. 20 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. 21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. 22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him. 23 “I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand.”

Prayer

Message

For those of you that were here two Wednesday’s ago will remember that King Nebuchadnezzar had an arresting dream that made him very anxious. We acknowledged that there will be times in life regardless of those things you have going for you, life will be troubling and troubled King Nebuchadnezzar was.

Furthermore we discussed as Nebuchadnezzar reached out to all of his counselors and advisers that answers will not always come from the obvious places.

You will remember that the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers & the Chaldeans were called in to interpret the dream. And they all responded as most all of us responded that what you are asking is not the normal manner in handling a situation like this.

Share the dream with us and we will interpret.

But,

Daniel 2:10-11 “10 The Chaldeans answered the king, and said, “There is not a man on earth who can tell the king’s matter; therefore no king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such things of any magician, astrologer, or Chaldean. 11 It is a difficult thing that the king requests, and there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.””

Life matters will come up for you and will come up for this church that normal channels will not provide sufficient answers to solve the dilemma.

Daniel served the God of Immanuel, God with us, a God who is near all when you call Him. God desires to dwell with His people, and “He became flesh and dwelt among us.”

When Arioch the captain of the king’s guard came to arrest Daniel and his friends to put them to death, Daniel, who knew the one who is the source of all wisdom, answered with prudence and discretion.

Daniel 2:15 He declared to Arioch, the king’s captain, “Why is the decree of the king so urgent?” Then Arioch made the matter known to Daniel. 16 And Daniel went in and requested the king to appoint him a time, that he might show the interpretation to the king.

Daniel showed boldness and humble confidence both with Arioch and with king Nebuchadnezzar. By God’s grace, Daniel gained audience with the king and received time from the king, the very thing the king denied to his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and Chaldeans.

I believe Jackie would allow me to share this because she was great with sharing this prayer request mid day today.

Jackie could tell that the tone and the manner and the words that Jessica communicated to her today that her stepmom’s healing was not coming from normal channels. I sensed from the fear, the tone coming off the text that when prayer was called for, what the doctors were sharing was bleak news. I just sense that.

And, let’s stop and pray for that matter right now.

I shared last week that Daniel and his friends were not in the original pool counselors called because they had not completed their 3 year training program.

The Chaldeans were solid in their theology when they responded to Nebuchadnezzar. “Except the gods can handle such a matter.”

Well dearly beloved, we know that only the God, Yahweh is capable.

The King was killing the present counselors involved that were called to interpret the dream and now the problem is in the lap of Daniel.

We have a little overlap from last time together.

So, Daniel asked for some time and he recruited his prayer warriors.

I ended last time on Daniel 2:18 “18 that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.”

Let’s start there and reemphasize what we ended on.

They prayed for God’s mercy. Notice they did not pray for His mind’s answer or for His might. but for His mercy.

Do you pray too large at times and become disappointed when God only meets the need and not the want?

In Daniel and his friends case, they received greater than they requested.

Daniel 9:9 “9 To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.”

We can only assume that Daniel and his friends did not feel worthy, but asked for mercy in their brokenness over Israel and their demise.

Undoubtedly, at least corporately as a people, Daniel and his friends felt just as responsible as all of Israel to realize that they were captive in Babylon for their sins.

We hit on it a little Sunday. But the first knew jerk reaction is to pass the buck, or have an attitude of entitlement, or to justify what’s happening in your life and placing the blame elsewhere for the conditions you find yourself in.

I simply believe that Daniel and his friends realized that any blessing they received from God was mercy and they were satisfied with that.

Now what is interesting is that their humility afforded them God’s best and He gave them the answer to the “secret.”

The word “secret” is used twice in verse 18 & 19 to offer clarity that this matter had caused great confusion. This matter was beyond the ability of anyone and anyone’s expertise. This is a matter for God and God only and even the Chaldeans in verse 11 affirmed that.

Ill. Story of Solomon

1 Kings 3:4–13 NKJV

4 Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place: Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” 6 And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. 9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” 10 The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, 12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. 13 And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.

God is the Answer in your Confusion v. 19

Daniel 2:19 “19 Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven.”

What we must understand tonight dearly beloved is that Daniel within his own being had nothing more to offer to Nebuchadnezzar than the astrologers, magicians, and Chaldeans.

Daniel only had one thin in his corner that made the difference and that is God. And dearly beloved, that is your best answer.

“the secret” the mystery was revealed in a night vision.”

There will be in your life mysteries that you do not have the answer for that you will be totally reliant on God to reveal.

Reveal in the Hebrew means to uncover or unveil.

A night vision means that Daniel was given the answers in a time he was alone only he and God. night represents as we know that secret place. In the NT, our Lord calls for us to pray in secret, to offer charity many times in secret. Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

So, testimony time. How do you mine out or uncover answers at times with the Lord?

Numbers 12:6 “6 Then He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream.”

Job 33:15 “15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds,”-one-on-one moments. give time alone with God.

Proverbs 3:32 “32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright.” -walk circumspectly, Always walk circumspectly in times of great concern and confusion.

Amos 3:7 “7 Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” -hold until you hear-gain a peace about a matter.

Adoration for God’s Character in your Life vv. 20-23

Daniel 2:20-22 “20 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. 21 And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. 22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.”

Not only do we begin to understand in a greater way the attributes of God that Daniel was thankful for, but when we all want to be better prayer warriors, Daniel provides a great deal of help in understanding how to offer up adoration to God.

Adoration

Confession

Thanksgiving

Supplication

Thank God for His eternal influence, His eternal love, His eternal answers, his eternal presence in your life.

That should mean something in a day of constant change and inconsistency in our world.

Recognizes God for:

Eternal Being

Psalms 113:2 “2 Blessed be the name of the Lord From this time forth and forevermore!”

Solomon states:

1 Kings 8:56 “56 “Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses.”

I will remind you that when you hear someone that is gifted in prayer it tends to be that they have a great Bible life as well. The Bible will teach you to pray.

Let’s talk a moment about Psalms 103

Psalm 103 NKJV

A Psalm of David. 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, 18 To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them. 19 The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. 21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all His works, In all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Two things that are very apparent that Daniel and Is friends needed to combat what was before them:

Wisdom and might. v. 20

They were facing an impossible answer and impossible odds of defeating all of Babylon in their escape.

Let’s brainstorm now how to become a better pray warrior based upon your needs. What does the Lord have that you need right now?

Healing, patience, control, temperament, strength, direction, example,

Agent of Change v. 21

Times and the seasons

Psalms 31:15 “15 My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me.”

Powers v. 21

Job 12:18 “18 He loosens the bonds of kings, And binds their waist with a belt.”

Psalms 75:6-7 “6 For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. 7 But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.”

Wisdom vv. 21-22

1 Kings 3:9-10 “9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” 10 The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.”

James 1:5 “5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Isaiah 45:7 “7 I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.’”

1 John 1:5 “5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”

Actions for God’s Contributions in your Life v. 23

Daniel 2:23 “23 “I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand.””

Do you remember to remember the Lord in Thanksgiving and praise for His answered prayers? Daniel and his friends did. Daniel was specific in his praise and thanksgiving.

Luke 17:15-16 “15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.”

As you go home tonight and lay your head on the pillow, praise and thank God for His specific blessings He has answered this day.