Daniel Four begins with a message from Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, one who did not know the one true God, one who thought Daniel possessed the spirit of the 'holy gods'. But, by the time Nebuchadnezzar is making the speech that begins this chapter, his view has been changed, and he wants to tell the whole world about the Most High God.
King Nebuchadnezzar,
To the peoples, nations and men of every language, who live in all the world:
May you prosper greatly!
It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.
How great are his signs,
how mighty his wonders!
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;
his dominion endures from generation to generation. - Dan. 4:1-3
This change of heart came about because of a true encounter with the living God. Nebuchadnezzar dreamed of a mighty tree that was cut down. Daniel interpreted this as God's word to him that he would lose his kingdom and his sanity, living like a wild animal, until seven times have passed. Daniel gave him an opportunity to renounce his sins and start living right, but he was not ready to change. He had not fallen low enough. He thought his mighty kingdom was still of his own doing.
One year 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?"
The words were still on his lips when a voice came from heaven, "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. - Dan. 4:29-31 NIV
Immediately, the once mighty king became as Daniel prophesied. He lost his sanity and lived as a wild beast until seven times passed. When he raised his eyes toward heaven and acknowledged the Lord God, both his sanity and his kingdom were restored.
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. - Dan. 4:37 NIV
The higher man's pride, the lower he must go to be humbled. It is the King of heaven that must be exalted.
No comments:
Post a Comment