At the core of our faith, we Christians believe that the Triune God is the one, true ruler of the universe. At least that is what we confess with our mouths. But if we’re honest, it’s not always how we order our lives, is it? If you don’t struggle with remembering that only God is God, consider yourself blessed with humility. But if you’re anything like me, it’s easy to slip into acting like you’re in control of your successes and failures—taking credit when things go well, spinning your wheels when things unravel.
It’s the original sin in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3), and the one that still haunts us today. When Eve grabbed the fruit, she grabbed at God’s throne. Despite the fact that she was living in paradise with her perfect mate, she wanted more. And we do the same: all too often, we grab at God’s power and we claim God’s glory.
Not in an obvious way, though. Not like King Nebuchadnezzar who literally claimed he built Babylon by his “vast power” for his “majestic glory” (Daniel 4:30). Cue the eye roll. That guy was so full of himself, it’s hard to feel bad for him when he ends up eating grass (v.25).
While we probably wouldn’t say anything that arrogant out loud, we harbor the same sin of pride in our hearts. Maybe that’s why things like the story of Nebuchadnezzar and the proverb’s warning that “pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before the fall” (Proverbs 16:18) always seem to spook me a little; because I know I’m a sinner, and I don’t want to wind up eating grass too.
Thank goodness, God is gracious. In His plan for Nebuchadnezzar, we see God intended to show the king mercy. God left the root intact when He chopped Nebuchadnezzar down like a tree. Daniel interpreted that to mean that God would restore Nebuchadnezzar as soon as he turned from his sin and proclaimed God’s rule (Daniel 4:26). This story is a reminder that God is more compassionate than we can imagine. Because we are covered by the blood of Jesus, “He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve” (Psalm 103:10).
In remembering God’s graciousness to me, I can’t help but remember what a better Lord He is over my life than I could ever be. We can serve our sinful selves or we can serve the most loving God. When we think about it that way, it’s an easy choice. God’s ways are so much better than our own (Isaiah 55:8–9). We can learn the hard way and find ourselves face down in the grass, or we can choose each day to proclaim the truth that “his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation” (Daniel 4:34). Therefore, “let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1Corinthians 1:31).
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51 thoughts on "Nebuchadnezzar’s Proclamation"
Pride in my heart is the #1 enemy of God. Lord may I serve you in humility today.
His ways are so much better than our own yes! Good to look back on our lives and be reminded of this
This is so good!
God thank you for being a rock in my life to behold your beauty and to inquire in your temple lord. I thank you.
I love how God not only leaves the roots in the ground, but also protects it with iron and bronze waiting for the day King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God’s power.
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When God humbles you, you can’t help but praise Him
Hi Doris- I just want to let you know that you are not alone. I, too, am struggling with America’s leadership. There is nothing Christian about it. I have been a “Christian” for almost 30 years, nowhere near perfect, sinning daily, needing Jesus every moment. I am now embarrassed to be part of an evangelical group. Yes, it needs to be politely and calmly discussed because it is no longer about politics, it is about being Jesus to the oppressed. And the way our government is operating encourages us as citizens to treat others as subhuman. This needs to start being discussed right here, because this is the job of the church and we are failing miserably.
I think this is really well stated and I just wanted to say I agree with you wholeheartedly and I’m encouraged just to see someone saying this!
Claire, not bringing politics into this study. I said as individuals it applies to all of us. But this was a leader and God Himself pronounced this judgment on him. I was saying it’s crippling me as a believer to see other believers not stand for righteousness and upholds and still praise one that shows so much pride and arrogance. I expect if you teach me to live right according to scripture then don’t hold up for someone else who is not. The standard is for all of us. And when it seems to be a double standard, it need to be addressed. Maybe it will help a babe in Christ or someone else who has the same question. Not politics dear, only understanding. Righteousness is righteousness and unrighteousness is unrighteousness, no matter who it applies too. This will be my last post on she reads truth , I’ll keep my questions and my attempt to grow in understanding to myself. Claire , you be blessed!
LOVING this plan! Honestly, I don’t know if I have ever read Daniel 4 before. Such a crazy chapter. Learning so much!
Doris, It is definitely a mystery! Luckily God has it all figured out.
Is it wrong to say I’m surprised at how much I’m getting out of this reading plan? I didn’t expect Daniel to be so interesting! Nebuchadnezzar’s stubbornness is really standing out to me. How many times does god have to perform miracles and show him mercy before he gives God the glory AND sticks with it? To this point it seems like his declarations of god being the one and only true God and glorifying heaven are fleeting. Oh, what similarities I can draw between myself and he. Lord help me to always remember what you have done for me and to humble me daily.
I agree! I almost didn’t start it because I thought I had done this one a couple of times. Much better than anticipated.
Even in the midst of deep frustration over the leadership of my own country (Canada), I am reminded today that God is still on the ultimate throne! I need to pray for the leadership here! There is no fear of God in their hearts and it’s scary at times to be the church in a country that has no respect for her. But God….so I will rest in Him and pray for repentance and restoration. And be on the lookout for pride within myself, that I may not fall! May God be glorified!
I am really enjoying this reading plan, learning so much. We all deal with pride in this world that’s why I am so glad I know God and I’m thankful for his love and mercy.
Kaitie Stoddard really hit home with her last paragraph for me. I need to remember all things come through the Lord.
I would like to ask for several prayers, please, my SRT sisters. First for my sister, Carol, and nephew, Jake, they have been going some very trying times and we just found out Jake has some psychological problems. He wasn’t on medicine for a while and that posed some major problems which led my sister to return to drinking. She has stopped drinking again and he is on medicine now but please pray they continue this way.
Also, my brother, Arthur, came from Texas to help out a couple of weeks ago and he will be returning on Wednesday. Please pray for save return.
I had surgery for carpal tunnel on my right hand on Thursday and return to work today, please pray for me.
Have a great a blessed day all.
The timing of this post is uncanny. However, before we point our judgment to America’s leaders, may we instead examine our own hearts, humble ourselves, and pray.
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Amen, Sue!
The commentary I have says that there is no historical record of Nebuchadnezzar’s governmental activity from 582-575 BC, aka the time that he would have been living in the wild. Wow.
The text doesn’t tell us how Nebuchadnezzar responded to Daniel’s interpretation of this dream, but we do see him a year later continuing to boast in himself. This is in contrast to how he responded in immediate prostrate worship when he heard the interpretation of his first dream. Sometimes we obey immediately, sometimes it takes some grass eating to wake us up.
I hope others may be so bold to give me wise and biblical counsel when I have gone astray; and may I respond immediately in humility and repentance, in worship to the one true King.
Yes, so true. We’ve all had our share of grass-eating before submitting to God’s will. It puts a different spin on it to think about disobeying God as insanity.
Loved the reminder that even though i may not outwardly share my pride, i know their are moments deep in my heart that i THINK i am in control and have pride. Praying that i would remember that God is God !!
Amen Angie and Churchmouse. Praise God for all He has done and is doing in this time. May you be given the glory for all the good Lord that you bless us with and the praise for the salvation that is only found in your loving grace. For all you are doing in my life Lord, for all you have done through the hard things, the things I tried to hold the reins to, but could accomplish nothing and you brought your healing and mercy when I let go. Thank you Jesus, that you have grace for the deepest sins, that you make Paul’s from Sauls and redeem those so lost they find themselves alone eating grass or in jail, or shut in. Lord God, you see each one and love each one. Thank you for your redeeming grace filled love. Glory and Praise to you Abba Father for all you are doing. Hugs Sisters, nothing is to hard for our Almighty God. He is more than able to care for us, to free us from the things we find ourselves caught in, to heal our wounds, to give new life. Praying His peace and love over you all for this day.
Thank you Angie, loved your prayer.❤
I accidentally hit the post before I finished. But my heart is heavy for America. Hoping all Christians are praying for America. Just as Nebuchadnezzers sanity returned, and he acknowledged who is Ruler over all. He then glorified, exalted and praised the true King. Then he was reestablished and blessed. Based on God’s abundant compassion we can ask Him to help us and we can trust he hears us and cares for us.
We see a leader displaying pride and arrogance and we acknowledge that’s its wrong.
This is what I can’t understand about the Christian world now that sees the same spirit in the leader of these United States of America and upholds him in his pride and arrogance.
Please help me to understand this.
This scripture in Proverbs have been my reply to all of my friends when it comes to this leader. Does it not still have application today to such a leader.
Yes, I know as individuals it applies to us but he is a leader as is in this lesson. God dealt with the leader.
God can and will use anyone. Even in their arrogance. We just need to keep praying for our leaders, no matter how we feel or what they are displaying. God’s will be done.
Amen!
Amen!
Doris, Please don’t bring political opinions to this place. We should be free and accepting of each other and feel free to discuss our Lord and Savior and his impact on our life through the devotional and Bible readings. Discussing political opinions will lead many away that may need to be here or that are new to our faith.
Thank you, Claire B. I feel bombarded 24/7 with politics. I need this to be a safe place to focus on God and each of you dear women. It helps me get centered each day.
Doris, I am late in reading this, and don’t normally post…but wanted to say I understand what you mean. I don’t think that trying to process through this in light of what we are learning about leadership and kingdoms in Daniel, is making things too political. If we can’t talk through our convictions about America and it’s leadership, in a safe, loving, God fearing community, then where else can we?
I understand what the other ladies are saying, but I think we are all strong enough, respectful enough, and loving enough to be able to engage these types of conversations with each other without scaring someone away or turning it into a partisan conversation. May the Gospel continue to unite us and bring light where it is needed. ❤️
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Praying that I would walk humbly wth my God and glorify Him in all my ways, praying for America’s sanity to return
I chose God. And (as Churchmouse said this morning) may I address any pride in my life. I don’t want to be remembered as a prideful person. I want to be remembered as a Christ follower.
Nebuchadnezzar’s response to his restoration was one of worship, praise, and sharing his testimony.
May my response to what God has done in my life be the same.
Amen, Sue!
And this is the “sin nature” we must struggle against through out life—self-centered pride, refusing to give God the glory for any & all of our accomplishments, living as though we are in control when we most certainly are not! Oh Father, hear our prayers of repentance, & keep us ever reliant on your good grace. Amen
Wake in me a more humble and reverent spirit.
God’s word is always so timely. Such a good reminder to me ( less like a nudge more like a slap :)), that God is in control. In this season of upheaval let us look what God is up to in our lives.
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ in all things; giving Him the glory in all things!
Pride is a disease that the people who are most ill, are blind to their infection. Oh Lord, give us eyes to see and hearts to obey immediately.
Thank you Father for your mercy and grace. You provide gifts I do not deserve, and protect me from what I do. When I wander, or even plow my way towards the throne of my heart, thank you for mercy that strips me, while still allowing grass to eat, and dew to drink. I fail and fall short, but not You. Your great love does not leave us where we are. Your great love is for every person. Every person, Lord. It is not earned. It is a gift. It is mercy, grace, and love without boundaries. It is soul-saving redemption for my sin. Forgiven and clean, justified by the blood of Jesus alone, may I draw nearer to You Lord, in worship and adoration, humbly before my God and King. Amen.
Amen Angie! So good!
Thank you, Churchmouse for the words you wrote. May that be changed into a prayer for us and our leaders. Also, for those in authority and all that that don’t know Jesus, I pray that all come to repentance and salvation. I pray that anything that is holding them back, be removed, so that they can be saved.
Pride is dangerous. I have shared this teaching before by Tim Keller called, Haughty Eyes. Of course, this is about pride. I am sharing the link again, in case anyone wanted to listen. There may be things in our lives we don’t see as prideful, but are! https://lnns.co/H1purX7mcB0
After reading this, I am thinking that I should listen to this again!
“I know I’m a sinner and I don’t want to wind up eating grass, too.”
Lord, keep me close to You. Teach me while I’m sitting at your feet. There are some things I just don’t want to take the field trip for.
Daniel’s advice to King Nebuchadnezzar is worthy advice to all, not just heads of nations (though they would be wise to heed it as well). Separate from your sin. Do what is right. Show mercy to those in need.
We separate from our sin by first acknowledging it and then repenting of it. We act on our repentance by doing what is right, making restitution, seeking reconciliation. The genuineness of our repentance further reveals itself in a heart change. We become mercy-full instead of full of ourselves. We reach out to restore the dignity of those in need.
May we all address any pride in our lives and may we follow Daniel’s advice. Perhaps there will be an expansion of prosperity. For sure we will be better Christ-followers.
Amen, Churchmouse! May we all give God the Glory by what we do, say and think!