Revelations for God
And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
Daniel 8:26 KJV
I start this blog with the end in mind: God continues to provide revelations even when we live in a chaotic society. Remember, the book of Daniel, filled with revelations, demonstrates how one can prosper Godly in an ungodly environment. Despite living in a godless society, Daniel lived a godly life. No matter who governed, Daniel set the bar of refusing to compromise his Godly practices and refusing to rebel against governing authorities who opposed his views. Daniel served under four prominent kings from separate regimes – Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus while prospering under each and exercising his faith simultaneously. Daniel was so faithful that God shared two visions of the future. In the second vision, God encourages Daniel to keep it to himself.
And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
Daniel 8:26 KJV
Seeing this relationship with Daniel and these Kings, I began to question the attitude of believers when certain parties occupy the White House. Do believers maintain a Daniel-like mentality when the party with different views rests in the White House or the State House? Do believers focus too much on opposing regime failures and shortcomings to promote their favorite party? Because of Daniel’s commitment, God privileged him with future revelations for his people more than any other Biblical character during the Jewish captivity in Babylon. Because of this analysis, I asked myself what revelation God has privileged us as believers. We must take stock of our attitude, particularly if revelations from God are few and far between. One of the Apostle Paul's instructions to his protégé, Timothy, included a directive to pray for kings and all those in authority. (I Timothy 2:1-4) Despite this, believers often criticize leaders who hold opposing views. Such criticism causes believers to suffer reputation damage, which can further divide the body of believers.
Notice the relationship between Daniel and the authorities of his day. After Daniel interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream about the tree and the stomp, Daniel earnestly pleaded with the King to seek action toward reconciliation.
Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity. Daniel 4:7
This plea alone demonstrated a non-hostile relationship with the king, whose religious views differed from Daniel’s. Yet, when believers face opposing views today, the environment becomes hostile and intimidating. Often time, it is the lack of understanding and respect for those with different opinions. As believers, we must exercise our listening skills instead of resorting to personal attacks and name-calling. By adopting a Daniel-like mindset, you can access God's revelations. A Daniel-like mindset promotes humility and faithfulness even in an ungodly society. Therefore, when we strive to live with this mindset, God will reward us with revelations. Then, we, like Daniel, can grow spiritually and prosper in a chaotic society.
