Pastoral Reflection
Evergreen Presbyterian Church has been looking at the book of Daniel in recent weeks. We understand it to be part of the wisdom (the "Writings") section of the Jewish Bible, rather than the Prophets. We've approached it as a fable or a illustrative story of Biblical truths, believing it has a message for us today.
In Daniel chapter 2, the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, has a disturbing dream. As he calls together his magicians and sorcerers, he tells them he wants them to not only interpret the dream, but to recount the content to him. As Daniel steps up and with God's help, provides the content and the interpretation, it points to God's sovereignty over human efforts.
The content of the dream itself also points to God's sovereignty and power over history. In the dream is an enormous statue with different sections made of gold, silver, bronze, and iron. The feet are a combination of iron and clay. A rock is cut out, not by human hands, and used to smash the statue to dust. Once it's destroyed, the rock grows and fills the whole earth.
God is obviously the rock in the dream and the reader is reminded that while human empires rise and fall, including ones that take God's people into exile, God's purposes will not be thwarted. Empires last for a moment, but God is the sovereign Creator and in control of history.
As we face those things that test our faith, may we be reminded of God's presence, watchful eye, and power over our circumstances; and may we find comfort in that reality.
Amen
Rev. Dr. Jennifer Bales
Director of Communications
Presbytery of San Jose