Text: Daniel 2:31-45

Dear Brethren,

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PROPHECY
There is great significance in learning about "prophecy". God revealed many things to Daniel for a number of reasons. We would do well to take heed of the things that God sought to demonstrate by revealing "prophetic world events" to and through His prophets. Among other things, four thoughts must be highlighted:-

1. Prophecy displays the power of God. Thus Daniel was able to say this,

"There is a God in heaven who reveals secrets,
And He has made known… what will be in the latter days…" Daniel 2:28,29

2. Prophecy enables God to stand out from false gods. Only the God of Daniel provided the answer. There were many "gods" worshipped by the Babylonians, and none of the wise men and magicians could appeal to their gods to reveal to them Nebuchadnezzar's dream.

3. Prophecy sets apart the matchless power of God! Man in his zenith of wisdom cannot be compared to God! He cannot attain the things which God chooses to hide from men.

4. Prophecy is important for we can then prepare ourselves to respond appropriately to the revelation of God's will. The prophecies of God are revealed "for our sake" (Daniel 2:30).

THE DREAM OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR ANALYZED
Nebuchadnezzar already knew the dream he had. He wanted to test his wise men. Were they really that wise? Would they be able to read his mind, and find out the dream that he had?

Daniel disclaimed natural intelligence as the source of his ability to reveal the dream of the King (Daniel 2:30). Instead, he gave due credit and glory to the Lord (Daniel 2:30).

Daniel went on to analyze the Dream of Nebuchadnezzar:-

1. The Golden Head represented the Babylonian Empire

2. The Silver Chest and Arms represented the Medo-Persian Empire that toppled the Babylonians (Daniel 2:32, 37-38)

3. The Bronze Belly and Thighs represented the Greek Empire (Daniel 2:32, 39)

4. The legs of iron, and the iron-clay feet represented the Roman Empire (Daniel 2:33, 40-43)

5. The "Stone cut out without hands" was a prophetic announcement of the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ (Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45)

IMAGINE- A PROPHECY OF JESUS!
One of the most exciting things in the study of Prophecy is the fact that they often focused on Jesus! Another thing that is exciting is that the prophecies were fulfilled as proclaimed! Let us renew our faith and our interest in the Word of God.

Prayerfully,                                                                             

Pastor Charlie

First released 8th April 2001, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore