Today In The Word-Moody Bible Institute God Is Lord Over All Times and Seasons Read Daniel 2:17–24 He changes times and seasons. Daniel 2:21 Daniel’s wisdom is on display in the narratives and prophecies in his book. The verses prior to today’s reading, for example, demonstrate that he knew the right thing to say in the right way at the right time, both when he questioned the commander of the king’s guard and when he petitioned the king to allow him to have more time. For such wisdom, Daniel gave all the credit to God, who as Lord over all times and seasons always and infallibly knows the right thing to do at the right time (v. 21). King Nebuchadnezzar had demanded that his wise men recount and interpret a dream without being told what it was. They were unable to do so, but during a night of prayer Daniel received this knowledge from God. Impressively, Daniel praised God (vv. 20–23) going to the king to save the lives of himself and his friends (v. 24). They were by no means well known at court yet. This incident occurred only one year after they had been taken into exile (1:5). To exalt God as the sovereign Lord was a huge step of faith, considering that Daniel was a foreign exile slated for execution. He even dared to assert that his God was greater than the emperor (vv. 37–38). God had paved the way for His name to be glorified in this unlikely place at this unlikely time, and in the end Nebuchadnezzar gave Him praise (v. 47). This month’s devotional is a topical study of time. What does the Bible say about time and our use of it? We’ve divided the study into four main sections that reflect Scripture’s main themes in this area: (1) times and seasons in life; (2) knowing the right times; (3) our stewardship of time; and (4) the fleetness of time and brevity of life. Though Daniel did not seize the moment for selfish ambition (v. 30), God saw to it that he was rewarded anyway (vv. 48–49). Since God is Lord over all times and seasons, the fact is that self-centered ambition is always out of season. In Paul’s words: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Phil. 2:3).
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 09:46:54 +0000