Issue #167, October 28, 2015
Daniel’s story is filled with dreams beginning with his training in the king’s service to excel in the interpretation of dreams. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds (Daniel 1:17). As his life story develops, Daniel interprets two dreams for Nebuchadnezzar and the hand writing on the wall for King Belshazzar. Then, in the final chapters of the book, Daniel himself receives four additional dreams from God. These are explained in great detail and have been the object of much study and interpretation. I will not attempt to explain the meanings of these dreams, but will reflect instead on what Daniel’s experience can teach us as servant leaders about being stewards of God’s dreams. A steward is one entrusted by another to care for his property or affairs. God gives servant leaders dreams and Daniel shows us what to do with them.
Servant leaders receive God’s dreams as stewards.
In Daniel’s story the dreams revealed what God was going to do in the future; they were a glimpse of what was ahead for the nation or the world. In the final chapters Daniel’s visions concerned the end of time. All of these dreams were given to Daniel by God and were received by Daniel as a steward. What helped Daniel to receive these dreams? Receiving God’s dream requires attentiveness. Daniel listened. He fasted and prayed before receiving some of the visions God entrusted to him. Receiving God’s dream also requires trustworthiness. In Daniel 10:11 the angel says that Daniel is “highly esteemed.” His life and character as we have already seen was blameless and God could trust Daniel with His dreams!
While we may not see pictures in our sleep, all leaders dream! They envision a future in a way that energizes them to move forward. Many leaders talk about their vision for the future, but it is usually a dream that comes from their own mind and will primarily benefit themselves. Servant leaders intentionally seek to find God’s dream for their lives and leadership. They seek to know what God has specifically called them to do and the direction God has for the group they lead. When they see this dream, they act not as owners of the dream but as stewards who are accountable to God for the dream. What are the dreams God has for your life? For the group you lead? Have you taken time to receive God’s dream? Can He trust you as a faithful steward of His vision for the future?
Servant leaders respond to God’s dreams as stewards.
Daniel not only received God’s dreams, he responded obediently to them. Sometimes this meant that he shared the interpretation with the King. At other times, he called for action. Therefore, O king, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed (Daniel 4:27). In one instance, Daniel recognized the dream God had for his nation and based on this knowledge, Daniel turned to God with fasting and prayer that the vision would be accomplished (See Daniel 9:1-3). Daniel didn’t stop with a dream; he woke up and worked with God to bring the dream to pass. What is God’s dream for the future? We could look at many, but Daniel’s glimpse into the future should stir us to action. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:3). God’s dream for our future is that in whatever role we serve as leaders, we will “lead many to righteousness.” Who are those God is calling you to lead in this way? Will you receive the dream and respond in obedience? Servant leaders seek God’s direction for the role He wants them to play to accomplish the dream. Then they act as stewards to fulfill God’s dreams.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Reflect on your own dreams for the future. To what extent are these dreams from God and not simply to benefit yourself? What difference does this make in how you share the vision with others?
- How attentive are you to hear God’s dream for your arena of influence? What could you do to be more attentive?
- Does your life and leadership exhibit a trustworthy character which encourages God to reveal more of His dreams to you? What steps can you take to increase your trustworthiness?
- What specific dreams has God given to you for the group you lead? Have these dreams stirred you to action? What steps is God inviting you to take in sharing this dream with others and leading them to accomplish the dream?
- Reflect on Daniel 12:3: Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. In what way is your leadership leading “many to righteousness”?