1. Unwilling To Confront
2. Confront Unlovingly
That tree, Your Majesty, is you. For you have grown strong and great; your greatness reaches up to heaven, and your rule to the ends of the earth. Daniel 4:22
You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses. 26 But the stump and roots of the tree were left in the ground. This means that you will receive your kingdom back again when you have learned that heaven rules. Daniel 4:25-26
King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper. Daniel 4:27
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Galatians 6:1
1. Confront With The Goal of Restoration
2. Confront With Caution
After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. Daniel 4:34
One Comment
Harold & Therese Greenberg
Another interesting thing about this case is that it was actually an unbeliever whom Daniel confronted with truth (not a brother in faith).
Because of Daniel’s strong Godly testimony, it was the unbeliever (Nebuchadnezzar) who sought Daniel’s help and asked for his guidance.
And although he did not respond with repentance at that moment, Daniel’s words were planted like seed in Nebuchadnezzar heart and mind.
May this remind us to live in a manner that is without blame before the unbelievers around us. Then, one day, they may even turn to us for guidance in their hour of need.