Scripture to Read: Daniel 2:31–45
In Daniel 2:31–35, God had Daniel describe the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Notice that the value of the metals deteriorates as we move from the top of the statue to the bottom of the statue. Also, notice that the weight of the metal declines as you move from top to bottom. Most theologians believe that God was revealing the decline of the human race. When God created Adam and Eve, they were perfect in every way. God even says in Genesis 1:31, "God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good." God only had Himself as Father, Son, and Spirit to compare to His creation. So, when God said it was very good, He let us know His creation was perfect. But then, Adam and Eve sinned against God in the Garden of Eden, and ever since then, man has been turning His back on God and degenerating. Mankind is not improving; instead, mankind continues to move further away from God. In Romans 1 and Ephesians 4:17–19, God tells us that mankind’s mind has become darkened. Mankind is becoming more degenerate intellectually, physically, and morally—that is why Christ came, because without Him, we are doomed to nothing more than settling for the garbage this world offers us each day. But in Christ, we are renewed, revived, and refreshed, and God wants our minds to be focused on Him and His Word (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:3–5, Ephesians 4:23, Philippians 4:8) so that our hearts are transformed daily by Him and His Word.
Challenge & Application
• How do we know mankind is not getting better, but worse?
• As a human race, how do we overcome the problem of becoming more degenerate intellectually, physically, and morally?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!