Daniel – Day 4
Based on the evidence provided in the earlier chapters, it seems clear that God was dealing with Nebuchadnezzar, while enabling him to bless the Jewish nation and the Jewish captives such as Daniel and his companions. God gives evidence of his power. And Nebuchadnezzar, at every turn, ultimately acknowledges the sovereign power of God that transcends any earthly kingdom. God speaks through dreams, interpretations and events to confront Nebuchadnezzar’s stubbornness and independence. In Chapter 4 this process continues. At various points (see verses 17, 25, and 32), the Lord God reminds Nebuchadnezzar that He rules in the kingdoms of men and accordingly humility and submission are necessary. This is a lesson that Nebuchadnezzar cannot evade.
Although Nebuchadnezzar was at ease in his kingdom and doubtless enjoying his life, he is presented with a vision of a great tree that grew strong and its height reached to the heavens and its fruit was abundant until a holy one said, chop down the tree and cut it s branches and the man nourished by the tree, was given the heart of a beast. Daniel, when asked to interpret the dream, understands that the tree represents Nebuchadnezzar himself and that ultimately he will be reduced to a beast of the field for seven years until he acknowledges for all time and without question the lesson that the most High God rules over the affairs and kingdoms of men.
After living as a beast for a number of years, after losing his reason for a great while, Nebuchadnezzar’s reason is restored, as is the glory of his kingdom. In response to the sovereign move of the Most High God in his life, Nebuchadnezzar submits. He states: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth and His ways are justice. And those who walk in pride, He is able to put down” (Daniel 4:37). And this is the lesson for all of us no matter how successful or unsuccessful we may be: God rules and we do not. Accordingly, despite our circumstances, we ought to praise and honor the King of heaven. We are as Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged, clay in the hand of the potter. This metaphor recalls Jeremiah s great claim about the God of Israel: Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: ‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done?'” (Jeremiah 18 : 5-6). We can acknowledge that God is Lord, now or later but it must be done.
Key Verses:
“For His dominion is an everlasting dominion. And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing. He does according to His will in the army of heaven. And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him: ‘What have you done?'” ~ Daniel 4:34-35
Questions:
- In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to acknowledge the sovereignty of God?
- What lessons have you learned in dealing with the sovereignty of God?
- What obstacles still remain in acknowledging the sovereignty of God in all aspects of your life?
