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the illusion of control
Daniel 4:13-18 (JDV)
Daniel 4:13 “As I was lying in my bed, I also saw in the visions of my mind an observer, a holy one, coming down from the sky.
Daniel 4:14 He called out loudly: Cut down the tree and chop off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it, and the birds from its branches.
Daniel 4:15 But leave the stump with its roots in the ground and with a band of iron and bronze around it in the tender grass of the field. Let him be drenched with dew from the sky and share the plants of the land with the animals.
Daniel 4:16 Let his mind be changed from that of a mortal human and let him be given the mind of an animal for seven periods of time.
Daniel 4:17 This word is by decree of the observers, and the decision is by command from the holy ones. This is so that the living will know that the Highest is ruler over mortal human kingdoms. He gives them to anyone he wants and sets the lowliest of people over them.
Daniel 4:18 This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because none of the wise men of my kingdom can make the interpretation known to me. But you can, because you have a breath from the holy gods.”
the illusion of control
Nebuchadnezzar was under the illusion that he was the one who gained control over the kingdoms of mortal men. His dream redirected him to the reality that God is in control.
For more information about Daniel and his message: See:
Roller John H. God Is in Control: A Study of the Book of Daniel. Advent Christian General Conference 2002.
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