Over the last couple of weeks I've watched most of Star Wars I - VI. I say most of because I've never actually sat down at the beginning of one and watched it through to the end, rather I've popped in and out and over the course of a few weeks I have probably watched most of most episodes. Finding things to do with children with chicken pox has been a challenge - but an introduction to Star Wars has gone down well. All but Episode III probably come into the family viewing category - but they've not seemed to notice that gap in the story!
Star Wars is the classic struggle between good and evil with the balance of power swinging first one way and then the other.
For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about the following video will make it all clear.
There are a number of stories in the Bible that highlight the ultimate power struggle between God and Satan. Daniel 2 is one of those stories where we have Nebuchadnezzar and his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers on one side and Daniel on the other. It's a bit like the story in Exodus where Moses comes up against Pharaoh and his wise men.
In Daniel 2 Nebuchadnezzar asks his wise men to tell him what he has been dreaming about then interpret the dream for him - of course they aren't able to do this and tell the king that no one has ever made such a request before - it's too difficult (2:10-11).
Eventually Daniel finds out what is going on and gets his friends to pray that God will reveal the mystery - which God does. Daniel confirms to the king that no one could do what he is asking but there is a God who can (2:27-28). Daniel then tells the king his dream and interprets it for him.
In Matthew 19:26 Jesus tells his disciples 'with human beings this is impossible, but with God all things are possible'. When God asks us to do something he will give us all the resources we need to succeed. God may well ask us to do things that no one has ever asked of us - things we can barely imagine ourselves doing. We may want to say to God - what you're asking is too difficult.
And it probably is - if we're relying only on our own strength, resources and abilities. But don't forget that there is a God in heaven - and for God nothing is impossible.
God gave Daniel the ability to interpret dreams - God will equip us for his service too.
