The King Who Dreamed
We are enjoying a few more days of mild weather before a predicted snow comes our way. It was nice to have a day to get caught up one some personal finance work and to get some of the leaves out of the front yard.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Most High God has done miracles and wonderful things for me…His wonderful acts are great, and his miracles are mighty.His kingdom goes on forever, and his rule continues from now on.” Daniel 4:2,3 NCV
These words of praise above sound like words you would find in the Psalms or one of the prophets. But they come from the idol-worshiping, powerful King Nebuchadnezzar who was the ruler of the known world. His armies conquered the Assyrians, he overpowered Jerusalem and Judah and eventually moved into Egypt. His wealth, power and fame were widespread. He was, after all the head of Gold from the statue in the first dream Daniel interpreted for him. (Daniel 2)
Nebuchadnezzar had a revelation and a testimony about the greatness of God and he shared it with everyone. It all started with another dream. The dream was troubling and had a clear message of judgment. The dream was a picture of the greatness of his kingdom, but also had a chilling turn of judgment and torture.
One of the first things we can learn is that “when all seems to be well…all may not be well.” Nebuchadnezzar said, “I, was happy and successful at my palace…” (Daniel 4:4) For this great King the battles had been won, kingdoms conquered and he was enjoying peace and prosperity. He thought all was well, but soon discovered God had another perspective.
The verdict and future was clear…“You will be forced away from people to live among the wild animals. People will feed you grass like an ox, and dew from the sky will make you wet. Seven years will pass, and then you will learn this lesson: The Most High God is ruler over every kingdom on earth, and he gives those kingdoms to anyone he chooses.” (Daniel 4:25 NCV)
The warning and counsel was clear… “Stop sinning and do what is right. Stop doing wicked things and be kind to the poor. Then you might continue to be successful.” (Daniel 4:27 NCV)
Then we observed that delayed judgment does not mean avoided Judgment. “Twelve months later as he was walking on the roof of his palace in Babylon, he said, “I have built this great Babylon as my royal home. I built it by my power to show my glory and my majesty.” (Daniel 4:29,30 NCV) With those words God acted and stripped the great King of his power and sanity. A year of peace….then seven years of torture.
Recognizing the true God brings restoration. “I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven, and I could think normally again! Then I gave praise to the Most High God; I gave honor and glory to him who lives forever.“ (Daniel 4:34 NCV) Nebuchadnezzar was use to people bowing before him and “looking up” to him. Now he finds himself in the lowliest position possible and is restored when he “looks up” to the God of heaven. His gods could not keep him safe or rescue him. He “honored” Daniel with a name in honor of his god, but he found out that “God is judge” (the meaning of the name Daniel)
Nebuchadnezzar found that true prosperity and authority come from God. “I became king again and was even greater and more powerful than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, give praise and honor and glory to the King of heaven. Everything he does is right and fair, and he is able to make proud people humble.” (Daniel 4:36,37 NCV) Here is a king that experienced the success and honor that comes through human efforts, but then found that even greater success and honor comes from submitting to the true God of heaven and earth.
Peter reminds believers, “….God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:5,6 NIV) From Nebuchadnezzar’s story we can learn it is better to humble yourself, instead of being humbled by God. We can be confident that the Lord honors those who honor Him. Finally, when conviction or correction comes into our life, an immediate response is best.