Wednesday, December 6

Divine Revelation

Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Kace Leetch from Clergy Stuff.

Daniel and his companions were in a precarious situation. The king had ordered that his wisest men not only interpret his dreams, but also tell what the dreams were or they would be executed. Who could look into the mind of a person and see their dreams? God could, and God revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel. And for the divine revelation, Daniel praised God, who had saved his life.

Many years ago I was looking for a new call in ministry. Nothing came, nothing came, nothing came. And then 3 interviews all at the same time that all wanted me. How could I choose? After prayer and conversation, I did choose, and went on to work there happily for many years. Several years later, both of the other congregations I had considered imploded. One was torn apart when half the congregation left in a bitter conflict. The other congregation ate through 3 or 4 pastors in the time I might have been there. At the time of the decision, I wondered if I'd made the right choice. But I believe God had revealed to me the best choice for me, even though I didn't recognize it as divine revelation until many years later.

God does still speak with us today. Sometimes we may not even realize it's God speaking. But make no mistake, God is still very much alive, active, and involved in our lives. And sometimes God even lets us know when it's God, like being let in on a fantastic secret. 

Narrative Lectionary Text: Daniel 2:17-23

Then Daniel went to his home and informed his companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions with the rest of the wise men of Babylon might not perish. Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night, and Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel said: “Blessed be the name of God from age to age, for wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons, deposes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with him. To you, O God of my ancestors, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and power, and have now revealed to me what we asked of you, for you have revealed to us what the king ordered.”