Pride

Written by Daily Inspirer Team.

"The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.’ "(NIV) Daniel 4:17

Bible reading: Daniel 4:34-37

How would you feel if you were President, King, or Ruler of the most powerful country in the world? Some would feel - my wish is my command! Some would feel the need to control other countries to think and act like him. Upon rare occasion, one may feel so humbled that he exhausts himself for the benefit of those whom he leads.

Recently I reread the story of Nebuchadnezzar, the ancient king of Babylon, who had it all but had a terrifying dream (Daniel 4). He had built one of the wonders of the world “the hanging gardens” of Babylon. He had conquered all the nations. He had built an empire unequaled in power to those before him. He was the United States of the Middle East. Yet he was terrified of his own dream. The story turns to Daniel, a man of God, who could interpret dreams. We may conclude from Daniel’s spiritual insight that God was forewarning Nebuchadnezzar for thinking too highly of himself. In fact, the kingdom was going to be ripped from his hand, he would go mad and live as a wild animal for a season.

And so it happened, on such a day as today, that the king was walking within the palace, observing the glory thereof, that he said to himself, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?" (Daniel 4:30). Suddenly a voice sounded from the heaven, “The kingdom is departed from you.” He was immediately driven from the palace and did “eat grass as an ox and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws” (Daniel 4:33). He regained his authority when he had come to his senses and realized, “the most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whoever he wills and (even) sets up over it the basest of men” (Daniel 4:17). Upon his return to power he, “Blessed the Most High and honored Him that lives forever" concluding his praise by saying ‘those that walk in pride, He is able to abase’ (Daniel 4:34-37).

Paul said that the things that were written afore were written for our learning (Rom. 15:4). Let us learn: God is past finding out concerning how he operates in the kingdom of men. He doesn't just place good men in power but also men of base character to carry out his judgment (in this case, judgment on the house of Israel for continual backsliding).

Let us learn: God is aware of the pride of man but offers him opportunity to repent. You and I may have no country to rule, never the less, we can become filled with pride. When this happens, God will bring us down. One may be thankful that through his mercy he did not destroy our soul. We serve a God of many chances. His mercy endures forever. By self-centered prideful ways I may offend you, you may offend me but we are still children of his and must realize that it is our goal to help our brother get to heaven not to push him out of the way on our journey to greater glory.

Let us learn: If God can forgive and restore a pagan king he can forgive and restore me…when I come back to him. Now think on that one for a while.

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