The Kingdom We Work and Pray For
Scripture Reading — Daniel 2:27-45
“The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will ... crush all those kingdoms ...” Daniel 2:44
Daniel showed amazing courage in front of Nebuchadnezzar—the most powerful ruler in the world at that time. Nebuchadnezzar was merciless toward the leaders of nations who resisted his military campaigns, and he could be a terror to his own advisors. This king had a paranoid ego that would rival Hitler’s or Stalin’s.
Even more amazing is that Daniel gave his daring interpretation of the king’s dream and did other amazing things even while he served this unjust and oppressive emperor. Daniel’s actions were highly visible and influential precisely because he served the Babylonian government with great ability, competence, energy, integrity, and wisdom. Throughout his years of service under several rulers, these tyrants found they couldn’t do without Daniel because he had exceptional qualities: he was trustworthy, and he was neither corrupt nor negligent. But Daniel always knew that he really served only the greater kingdom of the God of heaven.
Today many Christians around the world are working within earthly institutions like banks, corporations, universities, militaries, governments. Pray that they will serve well with their God-given ability, competence, energy, integrity, and wisdom. Pray that they will be trustworthy. Pray also that they will always serve first the only kingdom that will last.
“Our Father in heaven ... your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven... For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.” Amen.
About the author — Fred Bultman
Fred Bultman began a “second career” as a pastor in 1997, after a first career in the banking business. He served as pastor to congregations in the U.S. and Canada. In retirement, he continues to enjoy sharing in the ministry of the churches in and around his home in Fremont, Michigan.
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