Do not be paralyzed with fear nor have your heart turned to unbelief as you look at the world’s corruption or closer to home, see those hard, unfair maladies that go on and on, seemingly plaguing your nights and days on and on.
Let’s lean in and eavesdrop on King Nebuchadnezzar. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. It disturbed him. Disturbed him enough he sent for Daniel inquiring what does it mean. The first lesson we gather here is when we are disturbed, seek Godly counsel.
21 (24) “‘This is the interpretation, your majesty; and it is the decree of the Most High that has come upon my lord the king:
22 (25) “‘You will be driven from human society to live with the wild animals. You will be made to eat grass like an ox and be drenched with dew from the sky, as seven seasons pass over you; until you learn that the Most High rules in the human kingdom and gives it to whomever he pleases.
23 (26) “‘But since it was ordered to leave the stump of the tree with its roots, your kingdom will be kept for you until you have learned that Heaven rules everything. 24 (27) Therefore, your majesty, please take my advice: break with your sins by replacing them with acts of charity, and break with your crimes by showing mercy to the poor; this may extend the time of your prosperity.’
25 (28) “All this happened to King N’vukhadnetzar. 26 (29) Twelve months later, as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Bavel, 27 (30) the king said, ‘Bavel the great! I built it as a royal residence by my power and force to enhance the glory of my majesty!’ 28 (31) No sooner had the king spoken these words when a voice came down from heaven: ‘King N’vukhadnetzar! These words are for you:
‘“The kingdom has left you. 29 (32) You will be driven from human society to live with the wild animals. You will be made to eat grass like an ox and be drenched with dew from the sky, as seven seasons pass over you, until you learn that the Most High rules in the human kingdom and gives it to whomever he pleases.’
30 (33) “Within the hour the word was fulfilled.
via Daniel 4 KJV;CJB – Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all – Bible Gateway.
What was the king to learn?
until you learn that the Most High rules in the human kingdom and gives it to whomever he pleases.
If only we would acknowledge and trust the Sovereignty of GOD in all our unwanted, inconvenient, uncomfortable, down-right hard places. If only we would acknowledge and trust that HE is the Ruler of the Universe – even our tiny universe that swirls around us taunting us into an abyss of despair.
The holy man gave the king workable advice:
break with your sins by replacing them with acts of charity, and break with your crimes by showing mercy to the poor; this may extend the time of your prosperity.’
But the king closed his heart and refused the garment of humility. Months passed. All was well. More months. Twelve months in all the king strutted in his lofty place and suddenly just as the LORD had said where was the king?
Whether we be the one strutting or be compelled to watch another, we would do well to remember the LORD knows how to humble the proud. Let us make sure we humble ourselves so it is not necessary for ABBA to do the humbling.
ABBA, this is a stern lesson; it rubs against the flesh; yet, ABBA, I thank You and I pray for a humble spirit, a pliable neck and knees quick to bow. Thank You for giving us the account of Nebuchadnezzar; I pray we learn well the lessons You have for us here. We have folks coming to mind in need of help; we know You are willing, we pray they will be willing to receive Your help and follow Your lead. We pray for little children, especially those sick with fevers and unexplained infections and we ask You to heal them. We pray for grieving families and for families with new babies, asking You to comfort and give attention as needed. Thank You for every Reader. I pray You will encourage and help each one find their niche in Your Kingdom work and be faithful in Jesus name.
Day 111 of 2014, praying for revival in the Body of CHRIST.
Kathie
