By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Daniel 2:26-28 "The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), "Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?" Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries…" - NIV
The powerful king Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream and he was restless. He asked his wise men to tell the dream and interpret it for him. They all failed. In desperation, he wanted to execute them all, being the absolute monarch he was. Then word came to him that there was one of the Hebrew men who had ability to interpret dreams and unveil mysteries. Thus was Daniel sent for and he appeared before the king.
Perfect time to busk in the limelight and take pride for his exceptional gifting and recognition by the king? Not Daniel! In reply to the king’s question, he quickly made a disclaimer that no man (including himself) could interpret the mystery and referred him to a God in heaven who could do it. In essence, he was telling the king that except for this God working through him, he was as helpless as any other. And therefore for whatever Daniel would do, all glory goes back to God.
How often gospel ministers fall into this trap! When God does His works through us, glorious as they may be, let’s always be quick to give back the glory to Whom it belongs. Any delays to enjoy that glory may soon graduate to expectation, and soon demand for praise of men. And before you know it, you have created focus on yourself, not the God using you, and soon you create a personality cult of yourself and even fight for it. Therein is your downfall! Remember how king Herod was struck and died instantly for not being quick to return glory to God(Acts 12:23).
We are but vessels in God’s hand that He uses to do His works. People may appreciate the ministry, some may almost worship you, but it’s upto us to direct them to God and return all the glory to the One we serve and deserves it. Watch out for subtle pride in successful ministry! Again learn from Joseph.
WGenesis 41:15-16 "Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."
Shalom children of God.