While the words were still in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you…”
Daniel 4:31
Pride mistakes God’s gifts for our own greatness. Nebuchadnezzar surveyed his magnificent capital city and took personal credit for all of it. Before the words could completely exit his mouth, God humbled him. The man at the top of the greatest nation on earth became powerless, living like an animal in a zoo until he learned that “the Most High riles the kingdoms of men”.
We may never build such an empire, but our hearts want to claim ownership of our accomplishments, careers, families, ministries, or talents. Every good gift comes from God’s hand. He alone deserves the glory of it all. His sovereignty is in no way threatened by our pride. Instead, He opposes the proud so that all men, including the proud, would learn to trust Him.
Nebuchadnezzar’s bizarre fall ends in hope. He finally lifted his eyes to heaven in submission. His reason returned along with meaningful, heartfelt worship of God. His confession is one that all believers should sing: God’s dominion is everlasting, His purposes cannot be resisted, and no one can question what God has done (Daniel 4:34-35). Humble repentance opens the door to worship and fellowship with God. It abandons self-exaltation and bragging and embraces God’s rule. And in Jesus’ cross proud sinners are saved by a humble king. As we now bow in repentance and faith, our pride is forgiven and our joy is found in the gracious reign of Christ’s everlasting dominion.
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