Regardless of the Cost

After receiving a disturbing dream, Nebuchadnezzar refused to relate that dream to “the magicians, the conjurers, the sorcerers and the Chaldeans,” and insisted that they tell him both the dream and its interpretation. They were saved only because Daniel sought God, who revealed the dream and the interpretation to him (Daniel 2:1-11).

But later, on another occasion, Nebuchadnezzar shared his dream with the same group of Chaldeans and others, but they “could not make its interpretation known” to him. (It is interesting to consider that, perhaps, these men understood the dream’s meaning but were afraid to deliver the message.)

Just as he had demonstrated in the earlier example, Daniel was able to interpret the dream, but he did so with great reluctance. After being “appalled” by the dream’s meaning, he only gave the interpretation with Nebuchadnezzar’s assurance. The message was that the king would “be driven away from mankind” and he would live like an animal for a time.

We can only imagine what was going on in Daniel’s mind as he pondered delivering this message. What would the king say when he heard the negative interpretation? But, after being assured by the king, Daniel told him the truth.

Daniel had the courage to speak the truth, regardless of the cost. He displayed the kind of courage, commitment, and faithfulness that God desires in His servants. He looks for men and women like Daniel who are ready to obey and serve Him, regardless of the cost, regardless of their personal advantages or disadvantages, and regardless of what others might say or do.

In your life, make sure that you have submitted your life to God. That you are seeking first His Kingdom. That you have left all to follow Jesus.