The hidden purposes of God
We give thanks; your name is near.
People tell of your wondrous deeds. Psalm 75:1
Read Daniel 2:19—23
‘Tell me what I dreamed. Tell me what it means.’ That was the tall order of Nebuchadnezzar. No wise man was up to that one until Daniel was found. This would require divine inspiration, a word of knowledge. Without that the ruler himself does not know what is going on in his own head. And though he is a moving part in history, and thinks he is fashioning its course, he knows nothing of its outcome, of the true kingdom that is to come. Its destiny is beyond his control. Yet, in its outcome, he will have been part of this other purpose that he never suspected.
Blessed be God from age to age. Father, you have placed me in this age, in this day. You have put me in my own family line. We have had our own part to play. Leaders and rulers and politicians have played their part, and sought to contribute to the healthy flow of human life. Sometimes I have seen their frailty, sometimes their flaws, their power, their confusion, sometimes their effectiveness. Some have honoured you, have sought to come under your hand, to yield themselves to you as your instruments. And so have I. I thank you that your plan is worked beyond these limitations, and I pray that your wisdom and power may intervene in our time and in our politics, and that you may still reveal your deep hidden purposes to those of your choosing.