S) "37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride."
Daniel 4:37 (NASB)
O) The king had a vision of a tree being cut down, and he could not understand what it meant. When he finally consulted Daniel, he was warned that his pride would bring the judgment of God, and that he would be driven mad for seven years. Daniel warned the king to humble himself, that perhaps he would not be made like the beasts of the earth. The actual judgment didn't happen until a year later, but it's not really explained why. Perhaps Nebuchadnezzar had humbled himself enough, or for a while, and that postponed his judgment. Perhaps God was simply being patient, trying to give him time to repent in the first place. In either case, the king vocalized his arrogant heart from the rooftop of his palace, God heard it and pronounced sentence against Nebuchadnezzar, and he went insane for seven years. He was eating grass and was wetted by the dew, and apparently his appearance was like a wild beast, with his hair like feathers and his hands like claws. Eventually, he did repent, and the verse above is his conclusion on the matter after it was over.
A) Nebuchadnezzar is a prime example of a man whose life should probably not be emulated, but he still had a profound, accurate, challenging thing to say about God. There are many things in my life that are so far beyond my control, that I never even consider defying them. I can't control how much money I make. I can't control who my neighbors are. But, the power wielded by this King was, by earthly standards, limitless. Even so, God humbled him by directly turning his life upside down. God didn't use circumstances like an uprising rebellion, or a conquering empire. He didn't even use natural disasters, or famine, or plagues. Instead, to reveal His absolute sovereignty, God simply reduced this king to an animal. Thankfully, God has never resorted to such devastating methods in my life. He could, and as Nebuchadnezzar said, His decision would be justified. Having said that, He certainly has used circumstances to do it. Much more desirable would be to humble myself, then God won't have to humble me. Even so, I'd rather God humble me, even as He did to Nebuchadnezzar, than for me to be obstinate before Him. I'd rather be humbled by God's ways, than destroyed by His wrath.
P) Father, You are the King of heaven. All Your works are true and Your ways just. You have humbled this proud servant, and I know You will again. In fact, today in my clearheaded and humble thinking, I invite Yiu to keep me humble, Lord. You are sovereign and I am not. You are wise and I have no understanding. I need Your righteousness, judgment, protection, and goodness. I depend on Your grace and mercy. I never want my pride to stand between us, Lord. So, if I am ever failing to humble myself before my Lord, then please, by all means, humble me. You are worth my humiliation, Father God. Thank You for Your compassion and lovingkindness. Thank You for the patience Yoh show me everyday. Be glorified in my life, and let Your will alone be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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