Read Daniel 2:31-45, Daniel 3:57-61, Luke 21:5-11
“A great God has made known to the king what shall be hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.” (Daniel 2:45)
God still speaks to us today in so many ways and sometimes through dreams. It happened that God revealed the future of the kingdom to King Nebuchadnezzar in his dream. He knew this dream was not ordinary and it so disturbed him that he had to seek out an interpretation. Perhaps, given his past experience of being deceived by his officials, Nebuchadnezzar also asked for the content of the dream itself.
Truth be told, a lot of persons would rather hazard a guess and claim it was God who revealed such an interpretation. So many so-called men and women of God tell lies in the name of God when it comes to interpreting the dreams of their followers. In recent times some prominent prophets have predicted the future or said things on the altar that proved to be completely false. I wonder how they get such audacity to lie in God’s name while at the same time preaching God’s wrath upon those who sin against Him.
Of all the wise men and spiritual practitioners in the land, only Daniel was able to tell Nebuchadnezzar his exact dream and offer an interpretation. As St. Paul would say, there are a variety of gifts. Daniel’s gift was the ability to tell and interpret dreams. Try to discover your unique gift and be humble enough to admit when you do not have a particular gift; avoid deceiving others.
Daniel explained to the King the meaning of his dream – God was showing him what would happen in the future. Coming to our Gospel passage, we also see Jesus talking about the future; the fact that the temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed, and that many false prophets would come claiming to Christ.
As Jesus would advise us, we should not be so concerned about the future. Avoid running from one priest (or pastor) to another hoping they would tell your future. Bear in mind that it is not every dream that is a revelation. God is not limited to dreams.
In fact, do not be so concerned about knowing the future that you forget the present. Jesus says, “Yes, the world would end but for now, just get busy.” Make full use of the gifts and talents God has bestowed upon you. Spread the kingdom of God so that upon His return, the Master may find you doing what He commanded, and that your talents would have yielded abundant fruits.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me discover my gifts and use them judiciously as Daniel did. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of week 34 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Daniel 2:31-45, Daniel 3:57-61, Luke 21:5-11).