44 In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever. 45 And just as you saw a stone being cut out of the mountain without human hands, and it shattered the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold, so the great God has told the king what will happen in the future.

The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.”

46 At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering of incense be presented to him. 47 The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.”

48 Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. 49 And at Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to manage the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Vincent Chan

If you remember, Daniel chapter 2 began with Nebuchadnezzar deeply troubled—he couldn’t sleep because of a disturbing dream. That dream has been the focus of the whole chapter, and now, as we come to the end, he finally gets an answer. The interpretation brings him relief. In his joy, he promotes Daniel and his friends to positions of great authority over the province of Babylon.

But here’s the irony: the comfort of the dream isn’t really for Nebuchadnezzar—it’s for Daniel and his friends. As we’re told, the dream is all about God’s eternal kingdom—a kingdom that will never be destroyed and will shatter all others.

Imagine how hard that must have been for Daniel to believe at the time. God’s people had been crushed. Daniel was living in exile under a foreign and oppressive king. Jerusalem had been ransacked. And yet, God gives Daniel this vision to strengthen him. God is saying: Keep trusting me. Stay faithful. My kingdom is still coming.

As I reflect on this final part of the chapter, I’m reminded of the very first words of Jesus in Mark’s Gospel: “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)

Throughout the Gospels, we get glimpses of this kingdom. But in Jesus’ death and resurrection, we see God’s eternal kingdom breaking into the world. And more than that—we see that Jesus is the true king of this kingdom.

Today, it’s worth remembering where Jesus is right now:
He ascended to heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

This is the kingdom that will not fall and this is the King we follow.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vinno is one of our Assistant Ministers.