S) "30 But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me for any wisdom residing in me more than in any other living man, but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind."
Daniel 2:30 (NASB)
O) The backstory for this verse is pretty rich, and so is the rest of the chapter. Nebuchadnezzar had seen a dream that disturbed him (v.3), and he required his wisest of wise men to give him the interpretation, but there was a twist. In order to know that they were interpreting the dream honestly and correctly, he also required that they recount the dream back to him, without him sharing any information about it (vv.8-9). Daniel requested time to pray, got some intercessory support from a famous trio of friends (v.17), and then the LORD revealed the mystery to Daniel. In the following verses, Daniel reveals the details of the dream, and the meaning, and glorifies God throughout. The above verse, I think, is the fulcrum to the story arc, and it really shows what made Daniel successful throughout his life. He was given innate wisdom, but that's not the reason he had understanding, and it was not the reason he was successful. It was because he sought the LORD - and not just for himself, but to benefit others. The LORD was able to use Daniel, in large part, because Daniel was humble enough to give all glory to His Lord GOD.
A) For a large portion of my early life, I relied heavily on my own intellect, and my ability to "wing it" to get me by things. I was a terrible student, because I could figure out enough to pass with minimal effort. I was in constant conflict with people, because I believed I was smarter than them, or that I had it all figured out (for whatever the instance was). My intelligence or wisdom, were for me, for my benefit. That meant that it was also, usually, against others. Thankfully, in Christ Jesus, I am a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). Now I have a new purpose. In Daniel, I see a great example, that my own wisdom, although it is God-given, is useless, unless it is God-used. The gifts I am given by the LORD are not mine to keep. They are not for my own benefit. When I turn it out, to benefit others, to serve others, then it becomes what it is meant to be. Then, the LORD will reveal things to me that are even beyond my own mind, and He will be glorified through it all. That was the end result of Daniel's servitude to all of the kings he served, and that is my ultimate goal.
P) Father, glory and honor, power and praise, these things belong to You. Wisdom and understanding, knowledge and logic, these things belong to You. These are for Your glory alone, Lord. Using the gifts You gave me, to my own benefit, is a perversion that puts me on the same level (and in the same mortal danger) as the wise men in Nebuchadnezzar's court. In my marriage, home, church, or market place, I want the gifts and abilities You gave me to be used how You intended. Be glorified in my life, Lord. When people look upon me, and try to praise me, let me be quick and bold to put the focus back on Your glory alone - or else do not let me do anything praiseworthy. Let Your will alone be done, for Your glory alone, that every person who sees me will also see Your glory, sovereignty, and lovingkindness. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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