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Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great tree Daniel 4:1-37

An epistle of Nebuchadnezzar

His Kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation. V3 His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. V34 “The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all the kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.” v17 “Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” v25b “Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” v32b

A tale of 2 kingdoms God’s Kingdom Nebuchadnezzar’s Kingdom Invisible. Glorifies God. Redeems people. God as king. Last forever. Visible. Glorifies self. Exploits people. Nebuchadnezzar as king. Does not last.

A tale of 2 kingdoms God’s Kingdom Earthly Kingdom Invisible. Glorifies God. Redeems people. God as king. Last forever Visible. Glorifies self. Exploits people. Self as king. Does not last.

A tale of 2 kingdoms Living for God’s Kingdom. Engage the earthly Kingdom. The Gospel and God’s Kingdom.

Augustine’s respond to “Christian” Rome City of God City of Man (Rome) Man lives according to God’s design. Lives for the Spirit. Godliness is key. Rules by love. Last forever. Man lives according to themselves. Lives for the flesh. Human wisdom is key. Rules by love of ruling. Does not last. Source: The City of God, Book 14, chapter 28. Both cities overlap. Both seek peace and prosperity. A Christian lives in both cities at the same time.

1.Living for God’s Kingdom. How you live for God’s Kingdom will reflect how you live in the earthly Kingdom

Do not store up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart is also. Matt 6:19-21 But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matt 6:33

1.Living for God’s Kingdom. How you live for God’s Kingdom will reflect how you live in this earthly Kingdom. Beware the subtle temptation of building your personal Kingdom.

Kingdom Tower

“The tree grew large and strong and it’s top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth” v11

Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “ Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” v29

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. v37

“The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all the kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.” v17 “Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” v25b “Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” v32b

God’s sovereignty involves our responsibility “Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that your prosperity will continue.” v27

Engage our earthy kingdom Jeremiah on peace and prosperity (Jer 29:7) Moses on the need for fair legal systems (Lev 19:15, Deut 24:7) Moses on revising lending capital for the poor (Exod 22.25-27, Lev 19:35-37) Amos on corrupt business practices (Amos 8:2,6) Daniel on social oppression (Daniel 4:27) Paul and Peter on submitting and honoring the authorities (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17)

“Seperti katak dibawah tempurung”

John Calvin and Geneva as a “City of God”

Magisterial reform in Geneva under Calvin Jacques Gruet in 1547 charged with attaching an offensive and obscene note to the pulpit at St. Pierre’s Church. Beheaded for blasphemy. Small Council member Pierre Ameaux in 1545 charged with slandering Calvin at private gathering. Punished with 2 months in prison, lost his office, paraded through town kneeling to confess his libel. Ambiard Corn Syndics President, in 1545 censured for dancing and made to do public penance. Michael Servetus scholar, in 1553, burned to death for heresy. 139 reported executions in Geneva under Calvin from 1545-1565. In comparison 572 executions for entire 16th century in Zurich. (Source: Monter , E. William, Calvin’s Geneva. Graham W. Fred. The Constructive Revolutionary) . No Catholics, Anabaptists or Jews were allowed into Geneva.

Should Christians exercise their civil rights this way?

Daniel the pendatang Forced to live in a foreign land ruled by a dictator. Deprived of his dreams of raising a family. Deprived of choices of education and vocation. His ethnic culture and identity suppressed.

The Daniel model: engaged with genuine concern for Nebuchadnezzar “Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that your prosperity will continue.” v27 Your citizenship in the city of God makes you the very best citizen in the city of man. Tim Keller

Hailing from Singapore, Pang said he earned a scholarship to study in Singapore when he was 12 years old. In Singapore, he decided to embrace the Christian faith when he was 14, and his father did not react well when he finally “came out” as a Christian to him. Pang poured himself into church, joining the church theatre and writing scripts for them. After an epiphany over a discussion with a friend, he said he started down a journey which eventually led to him leaving the Christian faith. Leaving religion was one thing…it was time to stop trying to be straight. MalaysiaKini, 12/06/16

A tale of 2 kingdoms Living for God’s Kingdom. Engage the earthly Kingdom. The Gospel and God’s Kingdom.

The Gospel and God’s Kingdom “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have the power to crucify you?” John 19:10 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” John 19:11

The Gospel and God’s Kingdom A second angel followed and said, “Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great” Rev 14:8 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever.” Rev 11:15