Divine Wisdom

Read: Daniel 2

He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness. Daniel 2:22

IN WORD

Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, and insisted not only that someone interpret it for him, but that someone tell him what the dream was about in the first place. He wanted to make sure no one was guessing. The royal sages were baffled, but Daniel prayed. He appealed to the God who knows all things, who turns frightening crises into Kingdom opportunities, and who is looking for those who will bring His solutions into earthly dilemmas. And God answered.

Many of us can envision God answering this prayer for a Christian ruler who seeks to live by faith. Far fewer would expect Him to bless a pagan king with a divine answer. But the us-and-them mentality is not a Kingdom attribute. God is sovereign over the entire earth and does some of His most impressive work among those who are furthest from Him, showing them His goodness and drawing them to Himself. In Daniel’s case, God was more than willing to work through an idolatrous king in order to leverage the situation for His glory. Daniel knew that—and even blessed the king with his words. And a moment of crisis suddenly turned into a dramatic Kingdom event.

IN DEED

Look for ways to bless the secular world with divine solutions. Ask God for revelation in the midst of crises that might bring His wisdom and power into the light. He has a great track record of revealing deep and hidden things, unveiling mysteries through His people and showing the ungodly His goodness. When we ask, He will use us to bless the world and demonstrate the Kingdom culture. When we don’t . . . well, we find ourselves just as stuck in dilemmas as our unbelieving counterparts. But that isn’t necessary. The world is looking for true children of God (Romans 8:19). Connect with Him on the world’s behalf, and look for opportunities to be a vessel of His wisdom.

ADDITIONAL READING: Genesis 41:15-40

It is not just that men speak about God, or for God; God speaks for Himself, and talks to us in person.

J. I. PACKER