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Daniel 2-Crisis Management


Daniel was barely a teenager when King Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful king at the time invaded his country and carried off a bunch of survivors to Babylon. In exile, Daniel stood out for his devotion to his God, his discipline and for his qualities as an effective administrator. In King Nebuchadnezzar's well-organized bureaucracy he was a fast rising star.
In chapter 2 of the Book of Daniel, he faces an unprecedented crisis that has ramifications for him personally as well as for the entire Babylonian administration. Take a break now and read the full chapter before proceeding. Am watching 👀

So what was the crisis and are there lessons that we can glean from the bible on how to wade
through crises in the marketplace?

Daniel 2:1, 5
In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep.
The king said to the astrologers, “This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble.

Lesson 1. Sometimes a crisis in the market-place or in the office is an opportunity for God to display His power, glory and sovereignty over the affairs of men.
And like Daniel, your hidden gifts could very well be the instrument He chooses to use. Do not be unduly shaken. We serve the God of the universe. Let’s read on.

Daniel 2:4, 8, 16
Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will interpret it.” Then the king answered, “I am certain that you are trying to gain time, because you realize that this is what I have firmly decided..... (but) Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.

Lesson 2. In a crisis talk straight.
The astrologers had played delaying tactics and incurred the King's wrath. Daniel asked for more time in a straightforward manner and got it.
Keep in mind that in an evolving crisis even an unreasonable boss/authority is secretly looking for someone he can trust because no one has all the answers. Sometimes no single person can figure out next steps. Be completely honest. Earn peoples’ trust.

Daniel 2:17-18
Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

Lesson 3.Create credible alliances for spiritual battle.
The underlying message in the book of Daniel is that there are spiritual forces that direct the affairs, cultures and even the authorities that rule over men.
It is wise to retreat to your 'crisis partners' to launch spiritual battles in secret. Appeal to the Lord of Hosts!

Daniel 2:24
Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him.”


Lesson 4.Save lives, not just your own.
This is not the time to beat down the competition. When God favors you above your peers it is not the time to deliver the mortal blow to your enemies. Show as much grace as you yourself have received.

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...

Lesson 5. In the throes of possible victory, give glory where it is truly due.
The reason God dealt you grace in the first place is so that you can exalt His name before the world. Remember Jesus words reminding us that the goal of our works is to see the Father glorified before the world;
In the same way, let your light shine
before men, that they may see your
good deeds and praise your Father in
heaven. Matthew 5:16

Daniel 2:49
Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court.

Lesson 6. In the moments following victory and personal honor, carry your hitherto secret 'crisis team' with you as far as you can go.
Create your own network of credible alliances because another (bigger) crisis is surely going to come knocking at your door.

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