Sovereign

“How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.”
~ Daniel 4:3

Who’s in charge? When I worked a retail job in college, this was a question I heard all the time. Sometimes it came from an upset customer. They wanted to talk to someone about a problem. Someone with authority to fix what was wrong. Sometimes it came from a sales rep. Someone who wanted to improve our situation or who was seeking to partner with the store to introduce new products or services. Sometimes the question was asked by the representative of a charity organization. These were people who were looking for help. No matter who asked the question, everyone wanted to know who could make decisions, policy changes, or offer help in a specific situation.

The Book of Daniel holds the story of God’s people in captivity. The Jews are living in Babylon, a country with kings who hold absolute power over their people. The kings of Babylon tell the Jews what to eat, how to worship, what to worship, when to pray, and even make decisions about who will live and who will die. Separated from their homeland, the temple, and their cultural heritage, the Jews need to know who’s in charge. Enter Daniel and the word that God has given him to share with the people. God is in charge. When Daniel is instructed to eat food form the king’s table, Daniel stands up and will only eat food approved by God. When Shadrach Meshach, and Abednego are told what and how to worship, they stand up and choose to bow only to the sovereignty of God. When Daniel is told when to pray and when not to pray, he kneels before the Lord and follows the will of God. They face death, loss of reputation, and persecution, but they stand firm in their commitment to be God’s people. Why? Because God is sovereign.

It doesn’t matter where they live or who is in charge of the government. Daniel knows that God is in control. God is bigger than lions, fire, or the might of Babylon. It is a lesson we need to remember. No matter what you face, God is stronger, bigger, and mightier. He can move mountains, influence nations, and control kings. His sovereignty extends to every part of the world in which you and I walk. It touches every circumstance and situation. Be encouraged this week as you read the Book of Daniel. Encouraged to stand up and be God’s person in this time and place.